Vitamin Information Center

Body Mass Index (BMI)
Definition
Body mass index is defined as the individual’s body
weight divided by the square of the individual’s height
(kg/m2). The BMI is used for classifying underweight,
overweight and obesity in adults. The BMI is a simple
metric that relates weight and height. If an adult
for example weighs 75kg and its height is 1.80m, the
BMI will be 23.1. The cut-off points as defined by the
WHO are <18.50 for underweight, 18.50–24.99 for normal
range, 25.00–29.99 for overweight and ≥30 for
obese. Those BMI values are age- and sex-independent
in general, yet the BMI might not correspond to a similar
degree of fatness in different populations. There are
different health risks related with an increasing BMI,
e. g. type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Anorexia nervosa
Definition
Persons suffering from anorexia nervosa show selfinflicted,
substantial weight loss and retention of weight
that is too low for their age (BMI < 17.5 kg/m2 in
adults), or insufficient weight gain, accompanied by the
conviction that one is overweight despite being underweight.
Anorexia nervosa occurs most often at the age
of 14.
Cross-References
 Eating Disorders