What will be the approximate Body Mass Index (BMI) of a woman with weight 70 kg and height 155 cm?

ESIC Nursing Officer-7July 2024

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Hard

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer-7July 2024

Explanation

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).
First, convert the height from centimeters to meters: 155 cm = 1.55 m.
Next, apply the formula: BMI = 70 kg / (1.55 m)² = 70 / 2.4025 ≈ 29.13 kg/m².
The calculated value of approximately 29.1 matches the option and falls within the 'Overweight' category (BMI 25.0–29.9).

Option A: A BMI of 26.1 is an incorrect calculation based on the provided weight and height. This value would result from a different set of measurements.
Option C: A BMI of 25.2 is an incorrect calculation. While it also falls in the 'Overweight' category, it does not accurately reflect the result from the given data.
Option D: A BMI of 24.6 is an incorrect calculation. This value falls within the 'Normal' weight range, which is not the case for the given weight and height.

Visual 1: Chart: A visual chart illustrating the different BMI categories (Underweight, Normal, Overweight, Obesity) with their corresponding numerical ranges and color-coding for easy interpretation.
Visual 2: Infographic: A step-by-step infographic showing how to calculate BMI, including the formula and the crucial step of converting height to meters.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
BMI is a fundamental screening tool used by nurses to quickly assess a patient's nutritional status and risk for various chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension.
Nurses are often responsible for accurately measuring height and weight, calculating BMI, documenting the findings, and providing patient education on its significance and strategies for achieving a healthy weight.
What if? If the woman's height was 165 cm instead of 155 cm, her BMI would be 70 / (1.65)² ≈ 25.7 kg/m². While still in the 'Overweight' category, it would be significantly lower, demonstrating the critical impact of height on the BMI value.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the question's core task, which is to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI).
Recall the standard formula for BMI: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]².
Note the given values: weight = 70 kg and height = 155 cm.
Perform the essential unit conversion for height from centimeters to meters: 155 cm ÷ 100 = 1.55 m.
Substitute the converted values into the formula: BMI = 70 / (1.55) * (1.55).
Calculate the result (70 / 2.4025 ≈ 29.13) and select the option that most closely matches your answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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