1. Height and Weight Anatomy & Physiology
Vital Signs
Height and Weight
Anatomy & Physiology

2. Why Measure Height and Weight?
Most people want to achieve a certain weight so that they will look and feel attractive.

3. Why Measure Height and Weight?
There are health reasons for maintaining a particular weight.
Excess weight or fat can contribute to a variety of health risks.

4. Health Risks Associated with Excess Weight or Fat
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease because of additional stress on the heart
Decreased life expectancy
Obstructed circulation in the legs
Increased stress on muscles and joints supporting the extra weight

5. Excess Weight can lead to Obesity
Obesity is defined as a disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems
A person with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30 is considered to be obese

6. Excess Weight can lead to Obesity
A person that is obese has an increased risk of Developing:
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Hyperlipidemia
Diabetes
Coronary Artery Disease
Certain Cancers

7. Excess Weight can lead to Obesity

8. Regular Measurement of Height and Weight
Since weight is such an important factor in maintaining good health, a persons height and weight are almost always measured in the course of a physical examination

9. Regular Measurement of Height and Weight
Measuring height and weight establishes a target, desirable or optimal weight for an individual
Regularly measuring weight helps individuals be aware of small amounts of weight gain before it becomes a bigger issue

10. Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index – abbreviated BMI is a weight to height ratio
You will learn how to calculate BMI later in this unit
The goal of BMI is an attempt to determine the amount of muscle, fat and bone a person has and then categorize a person as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese based upon that value

11. Body Mass Index
BMI is a rough assessment based on the concept that a person’s weight should be proportional to their height.
An elevated BMI is linked to increased risk of disease, especially if the individual also has a large waist circumference

12. Body Mass Index
Because of its simplicity and measurement consistency, BMI is the most widely used measure to determine overweight and obesity levels.
BMI is a useful tool to screen the general population, but its one weakness is that it fails to distinguish fat mass from lean body mass.

13. BMI Exceptions
Using BMI, athletes or body builders with a large amount of muscle can mistakenly fall within moderate – to high-risk categories.
People with physical disabilities who are unable to walk may have muscle wasting. While their BMI may be slightly lower, it does not mean that they are underweight. In this situation it is important to consult a dietitian to provide helpful nutrition advice.

14. Body Mass Index
Because of its simplicity and measurement consistency, BMI is the most widely used measure to determine overweight and obesity levels.
BMI is a useful tool to screen the general population, but its one weakness is that it fails to distinguish fat mass from lean body mass.

15. BMI Exceptions
Height: BMI tends to overestimate obesity among shorter people and underestimate it among taller people. BMI should not be used as a guide for adults who are shorter than 5 feet or taller than 6 feet 5 inches
People of different ethnic groups: Asians and Indians tend to have more body fat at any given BMI compared to people of European descent. The risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease begins at 23 for people of Asian and Indian descent.

16. BMI Exceptions

17. Body Mass Index - Categories
BMI Reading
Classification
Disease Risk
<18.5
Underweight
Increased
Normal
Low
Overweight
Obesity, Class 1
High
Obesity, Class 2
Very High
>40.0
Obesity Class 3
Extremely High

18. Body Mass Index - Categories

19. Body Mass Index - Categories

20. Risks of Being Overweight
People with a BMI greater than 25 and physically inactive may develop:
Cardiovascular disease
Gallbladder disease
Hypertension
Type 2 Diabetes
Osteoarthritis
Certain types of cancer (colon and breast)
Depression and other mental health disorders

21. Risks of Being Underweight
People with a BMI less than 18.5 may be malnourished and develop:
Compromised immune function
Respiratory disease
Digestive diseases
Cancer
Osteoporosis