BMI for overweight is?

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Explanation

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m² is classified as overweight.
The option '25-30' is the standard range used in clinical and public health settings to identify individuals who are overweight.
This category signifies a weight that is higher than what is considered healthy for a given height and is associated with an increased risk of developing certain health problems.

Option B: A BMI range of 30-35 kg/m² is not classified as overweight; it falls into the category of Obesity Class I.
Option C: A BMI range of 18-25 kg/m² largely represents a normal weight (18.5-24.9). It does not accurately define the overweight category.
Option D: A BMI range of 15-20 kg/m² falls into the underweight (less than 18.5) and lower end of the normal weight categories.

Visual 1: Chart: A color-coded chart illustrating the different BMI categories from underweight to Class III obesity, with the corresponding BMI ranges clearly labeled. The 'Overweight' section (25.0-29.9) would be highlighted.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain BMI Classification for Overweight as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use BMI as a quick, non-invasive screening tool to identify patients at risk for weight-related health issues, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
An overweight classification is a crucial indicator for patient education on nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle modification to prevent progression to obesity and reduce health risks.
What if? If a patient has a BMI of 28 but also has a large muscle mass (e.g., a bodybuilder), the nurse should consider other measures like waist circumference or body fat percentage for a more accurate health risk assessment, as BMI alone can be misleading in such cases.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept being tested: the definition of 'overweight' according to the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale.
Recall the standard WHO BMI classifications for adults.
Mentally picture the BMI chart: Underweight (<18.5), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), and Obesity (≥30).
Evaluate each option against this standard classification.
Select the option that aligns with the 25-29.9 range for overweight.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.