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Clinical Obesity
overweight to a degree which causes medical complications
KEY CONCEPT:
Determination of body mass index by calculation or use of a nomogram.
BMI calculator
Body Mass Index (BMI) is utilized as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems. Despite this BMI is not a diagnostic tool. More data needs to be collected in order to determine if the excess weight is a health risk.
BMI is a standard scale for all people; however there are limitations as women and men deposit weight in different ways and areas.
Furthermore, muscles have a heavier density than fat- they weigh more, BMI does not consider this.
Other data which is needed:
•skinfold thickness measurements
•evaluations of diet
•physical activity
•and family history
(refer to table A)
Table A
Calculation worked example
Figure A "monogram"
An alternative to calculating the BMI is a nomogram.
Using a ruler, draw a line from the body mass (weight) to the height of the person.
The BMI of the person can be seen from where it intersects the W/HT line. (Figure A)
