BMI Calculation for a 65-inch Tall Female Weighing 200 Pounds
The Body Mass Index (BMI) for a female who is 65 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds is 33.3 kg/m², which classifies her as Class I Obesity. 1
How BMI is Calculated
BMI is calculated using the formula:
- BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²
To convert from imperial to metric:
- Weight: 200 pounds ÷ 2.2 = 90.9 kg
- Height: 65 inches × 0.0254 = 1.651 meters
Therefore:
- BMI = 90.9 kg / (1.651 m)² = 90.9 / 2.726 = 33.3 kg/m²
BMI Classification
According to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology guidelines 1, this BMI falls into the following category:
| BMI Range | Classification |
|---|---|
| <18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal or acceptable weight |
| 25-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30-34.9 | Class I Obesity |
| 35-39.9 | Class II Obesity |
| ≥40 | Class III Obesity (severe, extreme, or morbid) |
Verification Using BMI Tables
Looking at the BMI table from the American Heart Association 1, we can verify this calculation:
- For a height of 65 inches and a weight of 200 pounds, the BMI is approximately 33.
- This can be confirmed in the table where the intersection of the 65-inch row and the appropriate weight column shows a BMI of 33.
Similarly, the American Cancer Society guidelines 1 provide a BMI chart that confirms this classification.
Clinical Significance
This BMI classification has several health implications:
- Cardiovascular Risk: A BMI in the obesity range is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease 1.
- Metabolic Impact: Class I obesity is associated with increased risk of metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes 1.
- Mortality Risk: Research indicates that obesity (BMI ≥30) is associated with increased all-cause mortality compared to normal weight 2.
Limitations of BMI
It's important to note that while BMI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations:
- BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and lean mass 1, 3.
- At similar BMI levels, body fat percentage can vary by sex, age, and ethnicity 1.
- A meta-analysis showed that BMI has high specificity (95% in men, 99% in women) but low sensitivity (36% in men, 49% in women) for detecting excess adiposity 3.
Conclusion
The individual's BMI of 33.3 kg/m² places her in the Class I Obesity category. While this provides a useful screening metric, comprehensive health assessment would include additional measurements such as waist circumference, body composition analysis, and evaluation of other health parameters to fully assess health risks.