Final answer:
The student's BMI is calculated as 41.5 using the formula for BMI with imperial units. This value places them in the obese category, significantly higher than the threshold of 30 for obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calculating BMI (Body Mass Index)
To calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) for the student, you can use the following formula which is adjusted for imperial units:
BMI = [weight (lb) × 703] ÷ height(in)²
Given the student's weight is 234 pounds and their height is 5'3" (which is 63 inches), the calculation would be as follows:
BMI = [234 × 703] ÷ (63)²
BMI = 164802 ÷ 3969
BMI = 41.5
Accordingly, a BMI of 41.5 falls into the category of obese, as it is significantly higher than the obese threshold of 30. It is also important to note that BMI is a simple measure and might not account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and sex differences.