Aim: To record basal mass index.
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. It is based on the differences in weights according to heights. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) by the square of their height in meters (m) i.e. body weight (kg)/height (m)2. World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified categories as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese based on BMI values.
Measurement of BMI is used as one of the diagnostic tests for overweight and obesity.
Procedure:
- Select a healthy human subject.
- Ask the subject to stand in an upright position with heels against the wall and without wearing shoes/ chappals/ any footwear.
- Measure the height in metres (1 feet = 0.3048 m; 1 inch = 0.0254 m).
- Measure the weight in kg of the subject.
- Calculate BMI using the following formula:
BMI = Weight (kg)/ Height (m)2
WHO classification for weight status:
| Sr. No. | BMI | Category |
| 1. | <18.5 | Underweight |
| 2. | 18.5-24.9 | Healthy normal acceptable weight |
| 3. | 25.0-29.9 | Grade 1 overweight |
| 4. | 30.0-39.9 | Grade 2 overweight |
| 5. | ≥ 40 | Grade 3 overweight |
Observation table:
| Sr. No | Weight (kg) | Height (m) | BMI | Interpretation |
| 1. | ||||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. |
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