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All Canadian adults
- A: The updated weight classification system is recommended for use with all Canadian adults (except for pregnant and lactating women).
www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/healthy-weights/canadian-guidelines-body-weight-classification-adults/questions-answers-professionals.htmlCanadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults
A: The updated weight classification system is recommended for use with all Canadian adults (except for pregnant and lactating women). However, data used to support the classification system were derived predominantly from studies in Caucasian populations.
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The Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in...
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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.
The system uses two measures to indicate health risks: the body mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference (WC). BMI is an indicator of health risk associated with underweight and overweight, and WC is used as an indicator of health risk associated with abdominal obesity.
•A body weight classification system can be used to identify weight-related health risks in populations and in individuals. • The updated Canadian body weight classification system uses two measures to indicate health risks: the body mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference (WC). •Both the 1988 "Canadian Guidelines for
The Guidelines describe a body weight classification system used to identify health risks associated with body weight in individuals and in populations. They are aligned with the World Health Organization's recommendations widely adopted internationally.
- Canada. Health Products and Food Branch.
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- Monograph
Apr 12, 2005 · In this article we outline how this new weight classification can be applied to adult men and women (nonpregnant and nonlactating) between the ages of 18 and 65. Why is screening important?
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This technical report provides guidelines for categorizing health risk according to body weight and waist circumference, and lists health risks associated with being overweight or underweight. Intended for health professionals, researchers, and educators, it explains the rationale for the cut-offs selected and discusses issues related to age ...
