BMI of underweight individual: March 2008
**Question:** BMI of underweight individual: March 2008
**Core Concept:** Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value used to estimate an individual's body fat based on their height and weight. It is calculated by dividing an individual's weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters). The World Health Organization (WHO) provides reference ranges for BMI categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer, **D (18.5 - 24.9)**, represents the normal weight range according to the WHO BMI classification. In March 2008, BMI ranges were as follows:
- Underweight: BMI < 18.5 - Normal weight: 18.5 - 24.9 - Overweight: 25 - 29.9 - Obesity: ≥30 **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:** A. **17**: This is too low and falls within the underweight category. B. **25-29.9**: This falls within the overweight range, not the normal weight range. C. **Underweight**: This is too low, as it falls into the underweight category. **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact:** Understanding BMI categories is essential for medical professionals as it helps in assessing an individual's nutritional status, predicting health risks, and determining appropriate interventions for weight management or treatment. **Correct Answer:** **D (18.5 - 24.9)**: The normal weight range, which signifies an individual has an appropriate amount of body fat for their height and age. A healthy BMI is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.