Many clinicians and researchers use body mass index to assess weight status and associated risk factors for various diseases. As BMI is a measure of body fat, it is often used to determine if someone is overweight or obese. But clinicians also use BMI as an indicator of malnutrition.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a serious medical condition. It often afflicts those -- especially children -- living in impoverished nations where productive farmland is insufficient and healthy foods are either unavailable or too expensive. Malnutrition can also indicate an overlying medical condition. Those with cystic fibrosis, for example, do not absorb nutrients well. Those with anorexia and bulimia can also suffer from malnutrition.
BMI Classifications
A healthy BMI range for adults is 18.5 to 24.9. Anyone with a BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight or malnourished. Those with a BMI of 17 to 18.5 are classified as mildly malnourished. Those with a BMI of 16 to 17 are considered to have moderate malnutrition. Severe malnutrition is defined as a BMI of less than 16.
Effects of Malnutrition
Someone who is mildly malnourished may feel tired or dizzy. Moderate to severe malnutrition can lead to several health complications and even death. Edema, rapid hair loss and abdominal swelling are signs of severe malnutrition. The loss of muscle mass and nutritional deficiencies secondary to malnutrition can cause the body to shut down. The severely malnourished are at a very high risk of heart failure.
How to Know Your BMI
If you think you are malnourished, you can easily calculate your BMI. Divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared. Then multiply the number you get by 703. That is your BMI. For example, if you are 5-foot-9 and weigh 115 pounds, divide 115 by 69 by 69 to get 0.0242. Multiply that by 703, and your BMI is 16.9. You fall into the moderate malnutrition category.
Another option is to use one of the many websites available online that calculate your BMI for you.
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