On the basis of Body Mass Index (BMI), a person with a height of 150 cm and weight of 70 kg is defined to be:

Appeared in: GMCH - 2016

Explanation

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters.
First, convert the height from centimeters to meters: 150 cm = 1.5 m.
Calculate the BMI: 70 kg / (1.5 m)² = 70 / 2.25 = 31.11 kg/m².
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, a BMI of 30.0 or greater is categorized as obese.
Since the calculated BMI is 31.11, the individual is classified as obese.

Option B: The calculated BMI of 31.11 is higher than the range for overweight, which is 25.0 to 29.9.
Option C: The calculated BMI of 31.11 is significantly higher than the range for normal weight, which is 18.5 to 24.9.
Option D: The calculated BMI of 31.11 is significantly higher than the threshold for underweight, which is a BMI of less than 18.5.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain BMI Calculation and Classification as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use BMI as a quick, non-invasive screening tool to assess a patient's nutritional status and identify potential weight-related health risks.
A high BMI (overweight or obese) is a significant risk factor for numerous chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. Identifying this allows nurses to provide timely education and support for lifestyle modifications.
What if the person's weight was 60 kg instead of 70 kg? The BMI would be 60 / (1.5)² = 26.7. In this case, the person would be classified as 'Overweight', not 'Obese', and the health advice would focus on preventing further weight gain and making moderate lifestyle changes.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task: to classify a person's weight status using BMI from given height and weight.
Recall the standard formula for BMI: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]².
Note the units provided. The height is in centimeters (cm), so a conversion to meters (m) is necessary before calculation (150 cm = 1.5 m).
Substitute the given values into the formula: BMI = 70 / (1.5 * 1.5).
Perform the calculation to find the BMI value.
Finally, compare the calculated BMI to the standard WHO classification ranges (Underweight <18.5, Normal 18.5-24.9, Overweight 25-29.9, Obese ≥30) to select the correct option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 69-71

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