Body Mass Index (BMI) Definition
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a relationship between weight and height that is
associated with body fat and health risks. Research has identified the health risks
associated with a wide range of BMIs (both high and low values.)
National Institutes of Health lists these BMI categories:
Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
Obese: BMI of 30 or greater.
Further, obesity is classed by increasing BMI:
Obesity Class I: BMI 30.034.9 - High health risks, very high if you have an
increased waist circumference.(over 40 inches for men and over 35 inches for
women).
Obesity Class II: BMI 35.039.9 - Very high health risks
Obesity Class III - Extreme Obesity: BMI 40 and above. Extremely high health
risks.
The specific health risks for these classes are increased incidence of type 2
diabetes, hypertension, andcardiovascular disease.
Calculating BMI
BMI = body weight in kilograms/height in meters squared.
BMI = x KG / (y M * y M)
where
x=bodyweight in KG
y=height in m
Step by Step:
1. Give weight in kilograms
2. / (divided by)
3. Height in meters
4. / (divided by)
5. Height in meters
6. =
Example Computation of Charmie's BMI
Weight in Kilograms : 62 Kg
Height in Meters: 1.55 m
BMI = X Kg / ( Y m x Y m)
= 62 kg / (1.55m x 1.55 m)
= 62 kg / ( 2.40 m)
= 25.8
Requirement for
Nutrition and Diet
Therapy
Ms. Farina D. Evangelista RN
Clinic Instructor
Marie Charisma Ubia
Level II BSN