Practical Manual: Recording of Body Mass Index (BMI)

Recording of Body Mass Index (BMI)

Showing BMI chart

Aim: To record the body mass index. 

References: 1. World Health Organization. Physical status: the use and interpretation of anthropometry. Report of a WHO Expert Committee. World Health Organization; 1995. Technical Report Series No. 854.

2. Prentice AM, Jebb SA. Beyond body mass index. Obes Rev. 2001 Feb;2(3):141-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1467-789x.2001.00031. x.

Requirements:  Length measurement tape or height measurement chart and weighing balance. 

Principle:  Basal or Body Mass Index (BMI) is an internationally accepted measure of the weight status of an individual. BMI is a measure of body fat based on a person's weight and height. It's commonly used as a screening tool to determine whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified categories as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese based on BMI values. 

The formula for BMI is. BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) x height (m))

BMI is not a perfect indicator of health because it doesn't consider factors such as muscle mass or bone density. However, it is a useful tool for assessing the risk of developing health problems related to being overweight or obese, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. It's important to note that BMI is just one of many factors that should be considered when assessing a person's overall health. Measurement of BMI is used as one of the diagnostic tests for overweight and obesity. 

Procedure: 

1.     Select a healthy Person. 

2.     Ask the person to stand in an upright position with heels against the wall and without wearing shoes/ chappals/ any footwear. 

3.     Measure the height in metres using the measurement tape or chart.

4.     Measure the weight in kg of the person using weighing balance. 

5.     Calculate BMI using the formula. 

WHO classification for weight status: 

S. No.	BMI	Category
1.	<18.5	Underweight
2.	18.5-24.9	Healthy normal acceptable weight
3.	25-29.9	Overwei­­ght
4.	30-34.9	Grade 1 Obesity
5.	35- 39.9	Grade 2 Obesity
6.	≥40	Grade 3 Obesity

Observation table: 

Sr.  No	Weight (kg)	Height (m)	BMI	Interpretation
1.
2.
3.

Calculation

Formula:                 BMI = Weight (kg)/Height (m²)

(1 feet = 0.3048 m; 1 inch = 0.0254 m). 

Result: The body mass index has been recorded and found to be……… which means……...(category) range.

BMI Calculator

Height (cm):

Weight (kg):