Textbook of Nutrition in Health and Disease by Kaveri Chakrabarty & A. S. Chakrabarty

Author:Kaveri Chakrabarty & A. S. Chakrabarty
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789811509629
Publisher: Springer Singapore

8.1 Body Mass Index and Autonomic Function

Measurement of body mass index (BMI) will determine whether the individual is suffering from malnutrition, undernutrition, and obesity. BMI is measured from weight in kg (W) and height in meters (H). BMI = W/H2. BMI of a normal healthy individual is 18.5–24.9 kg/m2. Overweight is considered when BMI is 25–30 kg/m2. Obesity is considered when BMI is more than 30 kg/m2. Undernutrition is considered if BMI is less than 18 kg/m2. Severe obesity should be considered if BMI > 40 kg/m2. Undernutrition can be considered also, if the body weight is less than 90% of ideal height. BMI is not an index of body fat mass. It does not indicate the mass of fat (Nuttall 2015). Malnourished children suffer from autonomic insufficiency, especially parasympathetic function (Bedi et al. 1999). Resting heart rate is higher in malnourished children. Pregnant women should not suffer from malnutrition. If pregnant women are underweight, infants may be born with low birth weight.

Fig. 8.1Nutritional deficiencies and disorders

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