BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)An indirect measure of body fat. Identifies possible weight problems for adults, and allows individuals to compare their weight status to that of the general population. BMI = weight(kg)/height(m2). Interpretation of BMI in adults
BMI takes no account of fat distribution or body composition; for example, a highly trained athlete may have a high BMI because of increased muscularity rather than increased body fat. An alternative predictor of risk for obesity-related diseases is waist circumference. Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups are aware that they face an increased risk of chronic health conditions at a lower BMI than the white population (below 25 kg/m2). BMI Calculator Patient Professional Reference/Medical calculators NICE CG189. Obesity: identification, assessment and management; 2014. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg189 NICE PH46. BMI: preventing illhealth and premature death in black, Asian and other minority ethnicities; 2013 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph46 Interpretation of BMI in children Specific age-adjusted and sex-specific charts must be used for children. About BMI for children and teens US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Practice Nurse featured articlePractical Skills in Primary Care: Part 1 Stephanie Garner Practice Nurse Curriculum Module
See Obesity, Waist circumference |
|