Body Mass Index

Introduction
The Belgian astronomer Quetelet observed in 1869
that, among adults of normal body build, weight
was proportional to the square of height: In other
words W/H2was constant. This useful index is
therefore called Quetelet's index (QI), but Keys &
colleagues in 1972 made a similar observation,
and named it body mass index (BMI)
BMI = kg/(height in meters)2 or
BMI = lb/(height in inches)2 x 703.1
BMI is an invaluable tool in the assessment
of obesity
It correlates well with other estimates of fatness
It is also a somewhat more accurate index of
fatness for males than for females
Clearly, age strongly affects the BMI associated
with the lowest mortality
Introduction
Introduction
A recent survey in Tanzania found out that in men the
prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance was greater in
shorter subjects and those with lower body mass index
For a diabetic adult approximately 1000-1200 kcal/ day
should be advised when the body mass index exceeds
30.0 kg/m
2
, 1500 kcal/day for a BMI of 27.5-29.9
kcal/day, and 2000 or more for a body mass index of
less than 27.5 kcal/day, but the optimum amount will
depend on exercise, muscularity, and height
Introduction
In women a BMI <19 is usually associated
with amenorrhea
In the event when a normal BMI is regained
induction of ovulation is not required
High BP is generally associated with high BMI
(Also with insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia)
In cases of cystic fibrosis the aim of management
should be to keep the BMI within and preferably
towards the upper part of normal range
Classification of Overweight
and Obesity by BMI
Obesity BMI (kg/m
2
)
Underweight <18.5
Normal 18.5-24.9
Overweight 25.0-20.0
Obesity I 30.0-34.9
II 35.0-39.9
Extreme obesity III ?40
Classification of Pem in Adults
BMI (kg/m
2
) Nutritional status
>18.5 Normal
17.0-18.4 Mildly malnourished
16.0-16.9 Moderately malnourished
<16.0 Severely malnourished