Body Mass Index (BMI) & Waist Circumference (WC)

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Introduction

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BMI

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m²)

Weight: patient should use washroom prior to weighing. Have patient remove shoes and as many outer layers of clothing as appropriate (e.g. belts, watches, bling, outer shirts, hats).
Height: stand with back and heels to wall, chin parallel to chest, eyes forward.  Use a flat object to sit on head and touch wall with measuring tape/chart.

 

<18.5 = underweight
18.5-24.9 = healthy weight
25-29.9 = overweight
30-34.9 obese I
35- 39.9 obese II
40+ obese III

 

 

Waist circumference

Men should be less than 40 inches (102 cm)

Women should be less than 35 inches (88 cm)

 

 

 

Resources and References

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