BMI Calculation and Classification
For an individual who is 5'4" (162.56 cm) tall and weighs 72.5 kg, the BMI is 27.4 kg/m², which falls into the overweight category (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m²). 1
BMI Calculation
- Height of 5'4" equals 162.56 cm or 1.6256 meters 1
- BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]² = 72.5 / (1.6256)² = 27.4 kg/m² 1
Classification and Health Implications
This BMI of 27.4 kg/m² is classified as "overweight" according to standard WHO and American Heart Association criteria. 1, 2, 3
Standard BMI Categories:
- Normal/Healthy weight: BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m² 1, 2
- Overweight: BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m² (this patient's category) 1, 2, 3
- Class I obesity: BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m² 1, 2
- Class II obesity: BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m² 1, 2
- Class III obesity: BMI ≥40.0 kg/m² 1, 2
Health Risks Associated with Overweight Status
Being in the overweight category is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and metabolic complications compared to normal weight, though the risk is lower than with obesity. 1, 3
- Cardiovascular event rates are higher in overweight individuals compared to those with normal BMI 1
- Increased risk for insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation 4
- Women with BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m² show elevated cardiovascular event rates compared to normal weight women 3
Additional Assessment Required
Waist circumference must be measured alongside BMI for complete cardiovascular risk assessment. 1, 2
- For women, waist circumference >88 cm (>35 inches) indicates significantly increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk 1, 2, 3
- Waist circumference should be measured midway between the lower rib margin and anterior superior iliac crest in standing position 4
- This measurement helps identify central adiposity, which increases disease risk independent of overall BMI 2
Clinical Management Recommendations
Weight loss treatment is recommended for individuals with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m² who have cardiovascular risk factors, with an initial goal of 10% body weight reduction. 2
- At minimum, avoid further weight gain through regular weight monitoring and physical activity 2
- Weight reduction in overweight individuals produces favorable effects on blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glucose metabolism 4
- Dietary therapy should reduce caloric intake while maintaining adequate nutrition 4
Important Caveats
The creatinine level of 96 μmol/L (approximately 1.1 mg/dL) is within normal range and does not significantly alter BMI interpretation or cardiovascular risk assessment in this context. 5
- BMI does not distinguish between fat mass and lean muscle mass, which can lead to misclassification in muscular individuals 1, 2
- BMI has good specificity (90%) but low sensitivity (50%) for diagnosing excess adiposity 2
- For Asian populations specifically, lower BMI thresholds apply (overweight ≥23 kg/m², obesity ≥25 kg/m²) due to higher body fat percentages and visceral adiposity at lower BMI levels 1, 2