According to WHO, the normal Body Mass Index (BMI) in adults is-

Appeared in: Raj. CHO - 2023

Explanation

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the normal Body Mass Index (BMI) range for adults as 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m².
BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m²).
This range is associated with the lowest risk of morbidity and mortality from weight-related health issues in the general population.

Option A: A BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m² is classified as 'Overweight' by the WHO, not normal. This range indicates an increased risk of comorbidities.
Option C: A BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m² is classified as 'Obesity Class I' by the WHO. This indicates a moderate risk of comorbidities and is significantly above the normal range.
Option D: A BMI of 16-18 kg/m² falls within the 'Underweight' category (specifically, moderate to mild thinness). A BMI below 18.5 is not considered normal and is associated with health risks like malnutrition.

Visual 1: Infographic Chart - A color-coded chart showing the different BMI categories (Underweight, Normal, Overweight, Obesity I, II, III) with their corresponding numerical ranges. This provides a quick visual reference for the classifications.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain WHO BMI Classification for Adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use BMI as a quick screening tool during patient assessments to identify individuals who may be at risk for health problems related to their weight.
Patient education is a key nursing role. Nurses educate patients about healthy weight ranges and the lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) needed to achieve or maintain a normal BMI.
What if? - If the patient is of Asian descent, the nurse should be aware that some guidelines recommend lower BMI cut-off points for overweight (23 kg/m²) and obesity (27.5 kg/m²) due to a higher risk of metabolic diseases at lower BMIs in this population.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of a standard international health classification.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'WHO', 'normal', and 'Body Mass Index (BMI)'.
Recall the specific numerical ranges for BMI categories as defined by the World Health Organization.
Evaluate each option against the standard classification. Eliminate the options that represent underweight, overweight, and obese categories.
Select the option that correctly matches the defined 'normal' range.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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