Both the body mass index system and arm circumference measuring may be useful as an assessment of body weight and nourishment. The BMI system is highly recognizable and there are well-known standards in place. The arm circumference measuring system is not as well-known and may not be useful for all individuals. Both the BMI and arm circumference systems have their own place in which they may be beneficial assessments.
Value
Both arm circumference and BMI hold a place in the assessment of health. Measuring arm circumference gives a good indication of malnutrition or underweight individuals while BMI may be a better indicator or overweight or obesity. According to a study published in the journal "Clinical Nutrition" in 2003, arm circumference may be a useful indication of malnutrition in the elderly. Another study published in the "Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin" in 2005 indicates the value of arm circumference measuring in pediatrics and newborns. For both the elderly and infants and children, arm circumference can be a better indicator of health and wellness than BMI. On the other hand, BMI gives a good representation of body fat mass, which may be more useful in the overweight or obese.
BMI and the Elderly
BMI is limited as it relates to an underweight body or malnutrition in the elderly. The elderly do not have a higher risk of mortality for a BMI greater than 25. In fact, mortality may increase when BMI is even in the "normal" range for the elderly.
Ease of Use
Arm circumference assessment may be easier. BMI has certain limitations in the diseased, elderly and newborn population. BMI takes a measurement of both height and weight, which may be hard to asses in the very young and old. Assessment of height in particular may be the most difficult. In the elderly population, it is difficult to get an accurate measurement of height while standing erect if the person is restricted to lying down. For infants, it can also be hard to get an accurate height measurement. The BMI also requires more equipment: a measuring tape and a scale, while an arm circumference measurement requires only a tape measure.
Making Your Choice
Most individuals of a normal, over or obese weight can rely on the BMI scale as a satisfactory measurement. Measuring the circumference of your arms, legs and waist can also provide motivation in your weight loss efforts. To assess your BMI, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, then multiply by 703. If your BMI is under 18.5, you are underweight, between 18.5 and 24.9 is health, from 25 to 29.9 is overweight and greater than 30 is obese.
References
- "Clinical Nutrition"; A Comparison of Mid Upper Arm Circumference, Body Mass Index and Weight Loss as Indices of Undernutrition in Acutely Hospitalized Patients; Jeremy Powell-Tuck, et al.; June 2003
- "Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin"; Mid-Arm Circumference: An Alternative Measure For Screening Low Birth Weight Babies; JC Das, et al.; April 2005
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk
- RD 411.com; Elderly Patients: Use of BMI; August 2009
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Using Middle Upper Arm Circumference to Assess Severe Adult Malnutrition During Famine; Steve Collins, MB, BS; 1996
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Body Mass Index
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