BMI Calculation for 23-Year-Old Female
The BMI is 35.3 kg/m², which classifies this patient as having Class II (Moderate) Obesity.
Calculation Method
The BMI is calculated using the standard formula: weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared 1, 2.
- Height: 157 cm = 1.57 m
- Weight: 87 kg
- BMI = 87 ÷ (1.57)² = 87 ÷ 2.4649 = 35.3 kg/m²
BMI Classification
This BMI of 35.3 kg/m² falls into the Class II Obesity category (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m²) according to standard classification systems 1, 3, 2.
The American Heart Association classifies adult weight categories as follows 3:
- Underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m²
- Normal/Healthy Weight: BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
- Overweight: BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m²
- Class I Obesity (Mild): BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m²
- Class II Obesity (Moderate): BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m²
- Class III Obesity (Severe): BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m²
Health Implications at This BMI Level
At a BMI of 35.3 kg/m², this patient faces significantly elevated health risks 3, 2:
- Cardiovascular disease risk: Including hypertension and coronary heart disease 2
- Type 2 diabetes risk: Substantially increased compared to normal weight 2
- Cancer risk: Elevated risk for postmenopausal breast, colorectal, endometrial, esophageal adenocarcinoma, kidney, and pancreatic cancers 1, 3, 2
- Other conditions: Increased risk of osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and depression 2
Clinical Management Considerations
Weight loss of even 5-10% (4.4-8.7 kg for this patient) can produce meaningful health improvements 2, 4. The American Diabetes Association recommends diet, physical activity, and behavioral therapy designed to achieve at least 5% weight loss for patients with obesity 1.
For medication dosing in patients with BMI > 30 kg/m², ideal body weight calculations may be more appropriate than actual body weight to prevent overdosing 2.
Answer to Multiple Choice Question
Based on the calculation above, the correct answer is 35 (representing a BMI of 35.3 kg/m²).