Nursing Care of Dyspnea: The 6th Vital Sign in Individuals with ...

Nursing Best Practice GuidelineAppendix K: Body Mass IndexBody Mass Index (BMI) is a tool for indicating weight status in adults. It is a measure of weight for height.It is appropriate for adults aged 20-65 years whose body size and composition are constant.How to Find Your BMI? (Refer to the height and weight chart)1. Mark an X at your height on line A.2. Mark an X at your weight on line B.3. Take a ruler and join the two X’s.4. To find your BMI, extend the line to line C.What Does Your BMI Mean?A BMI between 20-27 means you are within anacceptable healthy weight zone. If you have a big frame(larger bone structure) you will be at the high end of thehealthy weight zone. If you have a small frame (smallbone structure) you will be at the lower end of the zone.Health problems may occur in some people who haveBMIs less than 20 or more than 27. The best way toachieve or maintain a healthy body weight is to participatein regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet.References:Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2004). What is BMI?National Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and HealthPromotion [Electronic version]. Available:http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/bmi-adult.htmPhysical Activity Promotion Program, Healthy Lifestyles Branch(1998). Are you at a healthy body weight? Hamilton, Ontario:Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Public Health Department.113