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The BMI range for the 'overweight' category is 25.0 to 29.9. The 'obese' category has been divided into three subcategories: Obese Class I (30.0 - 34.9), Obese Class II (35.0 - 39.9) and Obese Class III (40.0 and over). The updated system uses WC in place of the waist to hip ratio (recommended in the 1988 guidelines).
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Special consideration is also needed when using the...
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- Highlights
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Waist Circumference (WC)
- Health risk classification using both BMI and WC
- BMI Formula
- Footnotes
•The Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults uses the body mass index and waist circumference as indicators of health risk.
•This classification system is aligned with the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations widely adopted internationally.
•This classification system is derived from population data. When used with individuals, weight classification is only one component of a more comprehensive health assessment needed to clarify health risk.
•The classification system is not intended for use with:
•those under 18 years of age, and
•pregnant and lactating women.
Some health problems associated with body weight
Overweight and obesity Type 2 diabetes Dyslipidemia Hypertension Coronary heart disease Gallbladder disease Obstructive sleep apnea Certain cancers UnderweightFootnote 1 Undernutrition Osteoporosis Infertility Impaired immunocompetence
•WC is an indicator of health risk associated with excess abdominal fat.
To determine WC, the measurer should stand beside the individual. WC is measured at the part of the torso located midway between the lowest rib and the iliac crest (top of pelvic bone). The tape should fit without compressing any underlying soft tissues.
•WC measurement can be used for individuals with a BMI in the 18.5-34.9 range. For BMIs >= 35.0, WC measurement does not provide additional information regarding level of risk.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Nomogram
The Body Mass Index (BMI) Nomogram is a graph that shows a person's Body Mass Index as the point on the chart nearest the dashed line (representing the Body Mass Index) where height (in inches or centimetres) and weight (in pounds or kilograms) intersect.
Height is shown on the x-axis in centimetres or inches, and weight is shown on the y-axis in kilograms or pounds.
Dashed lines, representing the Body Mass Index, are displayed on the graph as calculated by the formula of weight (in kilograms) divided by height squared (in metres).
For a quick determination of BMI (kg/m2), use a straightedge to help locate the point on the chart where height (in or cm) and weight (lb or kg) intersect. Read the number on the dashed line closest to this point. For example, an individual who weighs 69 kg and is 173 cm tall has a BMI of approximately 23.
BMI can also be calculated using this formula
BMI = weight (kg)/height(m)²
Note: 1 inch = 2.54 centimetres and 1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
To clarify risk for each individual, other factors such as lifestyle habits, fitness level, and presence or absence of other health risk conditions also need to be considered.
Highlights. The Canadian body weight classification system uses the body mass index (BMI) to identify weight-related health risks. The waist circumference (WC) is included in the system as an indicator of abdominal obesity and associated health problems. The system has been developed for adults age 18 years and older but it is not appropriate ...
Some racial groups may be more susceptible to health problems associated with obesity than others. More research is needed but for now, the existing body weight classification system is appropriate for all racial/ethnic groups in Canadian society. 2 ; These BMI categories should not be used for children and adolescents (age<18 years).
body weight classification can be applied to all ethnic groups in Canada, health care providers should be aware of limitations in applying this classification to non-white people. A recent study involving Asian people suggested that BMI cutoffs for overweight and obesity start at 23 kg/m2 and 27 kg/m2 respec-tively.5 For a given BMI range
- James D. Douketis, Gilles Paradis, Heather Keller, Chantal Martineau
- 2005
The Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults uses the body mass index and waist circumference as indicators of health risk. This classification system is aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations widely adopted internationally. This classification system is derived from population data. When used
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The technical report Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults describes the system and provides information on its development, uses, and limitations. The Quick Reference Tool for Professionals provides a summary of the Guidelines. For quick determination of BMI, refer to the Body Mass Index calculator.
