BMI is a nutritional indicator for adults; if less than 18.5, it indicates:

Appeared in: Haryana CHO -2023

Explanation

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifications, a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m² is defined as underweight for adults.
This value indicates that the individual's weight is too low for their height, which can be a sign of malnutrition.
Being underweight is associated with several health risks, such as a weakened immune system, anemia, and osteoporosis.

Option A: 'Moderate weight' is not a standard clinical category used in the WHO BMI classification system.
Option B: A normal or desirable weight range is defined by a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m².
Option D: Overweight is defined as a BMI in the range of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m².

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Interpretation of Body Mass Index (BMI) values in adults as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently use BMI as part of a nutritional screening (like the MUST tool) to identify patients at risk of malnutrition upon admission.
An underweight classification prompts further nursing assessment, including a detailed diet history, screening for underlying causes (e.g., disease, psychological factors), and potential referral to a dietitian.
What if? If a patient's BMI was 18.0 but they were an elite long-distance runner, the clinical picture changes. While still classified as underweight, their low BMI is likely due to high muscle mass and low body fat, not malnutrition. The nurse must consider the entire clinical context, not just the number.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the classification of a specific BMI value (< 18.5).
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge of standard nutritional assessment parameters.
Recall the WHO classification for Body Mass Index in adults.
Match the given value (< 18.5) to its corresponding category in the classification system.
Select the option that correctly names this category.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q04vAV6crQBs_Wi323duZ

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 521-523

E6 Nursing Vital Signs p. 188-190

Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023

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