BMI Calculation for 23-Year-Old Female
The BMI is 35.3 kg/m², which corresponds to answer C (35), placing this patient in obesity class II. 1
Calculation Method
The BMI formula is straightforward: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared 1:
- Weight: 87 kg
- Height: 1.57 m (157 cm converted to meters)
- Calculation: 87 ÷ (1.57)² = 87 ÷ 2.4649 = 35.3 kg/m²
Clinical Classification
This BMI of 35.3 kg/m² falls into obesity class II (BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m²), which carries "very high" disease risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. 1
The standard adult BMI categories are 1:
- Normal weight: 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
- Overweight: 25.0-29.9 kg/m²
- Obesity class I: 30.0-34.9 kg/m²
- Obesity class II: 35.0-39.9 kg/m² (this patient)
- Obesity class III (severe): ≥40 kg/m²
Health Risk Implications
At this BMI level, mortality risk increases substantially, and cardiovascular disease risk is classified as "very high." 1 The patient's young age (23 years) is particularly concerning, as obesity established in young adulthood strongly predicts lifelong obesity and associated complications 2.
Even a 10% weight loss (approximately 8.7 kg) would significantly reduce chronic disease risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. 1
Additional Assessment Considerations
While BMI alone provides the answer to this question, comprehensive obesity assessment should include waist circumference measurement, as abdominal obesity (>88 cm in women) further stratifies cardiovascular risk independent of BMI 1.