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Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults
Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults
-- Quick Reference Tool for Professionals --
Quick Reference Tool for Professionals
Highlights
The Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults The classification system is not intended for use with:
uses the body mass index and waist circumference as indicators of
health risk. • those under 18 years of age, and
• pregnant and lactating women.
This classification system is aligned with the World Health Organization’s
Special consideration is also needed when using the classification system.
(WHO) recommendations widely adopted internationally.
It may underestimate or overestimate health risks in specific groups such as:
This classification system is derived from population data. When used young adults who have not reached full growth, adults who naturally have a
with individuals, weight classification is only one component of a more very lean body build, highly muscular adults, adults over 65 years of age,
comprehensive health assessment needed to clarify health risk. and certain ethnic and racial groups. More information is provided in the
full report available online (www.healthcanada.ca/nutrition).
Body Mass Index (BMI)
The BMI (weight (kg)/height (m)2) is not a direct measure of body fat but it is the most
widely investigated and most useful indicator, to date, of health risk associated with under
and overweight.
Some health problems associated with
Classification BMI Category Risk of developing body weight
(kg/m2) health problems Overweight and Underweight*
obesity
Underweight < 18.5 Increased
Normal Weight 18.5 – 24.9 Least Type 2 diabetes Undernutrition
Overweight 25.0 – 29.9 Increased Dyslipidemia Osteoporosis
Obese Hypertension Infertility
Class I 30.0 – 34.9 High Coronary heart disease Impaired
Class II 35.0 – 39.9 Very high
Class III ≥ 40.0 Extremely high Gallbladder disease immunocompetence
Obstructive sleep apnea
Note: For persons 65 years and older the ‘normal’ range may begin slightly above BMI 18.5 and Certain cancers
extend into the ‘overweight’ range.
*May indicate an eating disorder or other underlying illness.
Adapted from: WHO (2000) Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic: Report of a WHO Consultation
on Obesity.
Waist Circumference (WC)
WC Cut-off Points Risk of developing
WC is an indicator of health risk associated with excess abdominal fat. health problems*
Men ≥ 102 cm (40 in.)
Increased
To determine WC, the measurer should stand beside the individual. WC is measured at the Women ≥ 88 cm (35 in.)
part of the torso located midway between the lowest rib and the iliac crest (top of pelvic
bone). The tape should fit without compressing any underlying soft tissues. *Risk for type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension.
Adapted from: WHO (2000) Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global
Epidemic: Report of a WHO Consultation on Obesity.
BMI
Health risk classification NORMAL OVERWEIGHT OBESE Class 1
using both BMI and WC < 102 cm (Males) Least Risk Increased Risk High Risk
< 88 cm (Females)
WC measurement can be used for individuals with a BMI in the WC
18.5-34.9 range. For BMIs ≥ 35.0, WC measurement does not ≥ 102 cm (Males) Increased Risk High Risk Very High Risk
provide additional information regarding level of risk. ≥ 88 cm (Females)
Adapted from: National Institutes of Health (1998) Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment
of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: The Evidence Report.

2. - Body Mass Index (BMI) Nomogram -
- Body Mass Index (BMI) Nomogram -
Height (in)
57 59 61 63 65 67 69 71 73 75 77 79 81
140 308
135 297
130 286
125 275
For a quick determination of
120 264 BMI (kg/m2), use a straight-
edge to help locate the point
115 253 on the chart where height (in
50
48 or cm) and weight (lb or
110 40 242 kg) intersect. Read the
46
44 number on the dashed
105 42 231
35 line closest to this
100 38 220 point. For example, an
36 individual who weighs 69
Weight (kg)
Weight (lb)
95 34 30 209 kg and is 173 cm tall has a
32 BMI of approximately 23.
90 198
85 28 25 187
26
80 176
24 75
75 165
22 70
23
18.5 65
70 20 154 60
65 18 143
55
50
60 16 132 45
40
55 14 121 145 150 155 160 165 170 175
50 110 Refer to the table below
to identify the level of
45 99 health risk associated with a
40 88
particular BMI.
145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 195 200 205
Height (cm)
BMI Formula BMI Risk of developing health problems
< 18.5 Increased
BMI can also be calculated using 18.5 – 24.9 Least
this formula
25.0 – 29.9 Increased
30.0 – 34.9 High
BMI = weight in kilograms 35.0 – 39.9 Very high
(height in metres)2 ≥ 40.0 Extremely high
Note: 1 inch = 2.54 centimetres and 1 pound = 0.45 kilograms Note: For persons 65 years and older the ‘normal’ range may begin slightly above
BMI 18.5 and extend into the ‘overweight’ range.
Adapted from: WHO (2000) Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic: Report of a WHO Consultation
on Obesity.
To clarify risk for each individual, other factors such as lifestyle habits, fitness level, and presence or absence of other health risk
conditions also need to be considered.
The full report “Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults”, and other resources are available online at:
www.healthcanada.ca/nutrition
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada (2003)
ISBN 0-662-33496-5 Cat. No: H49-179/2003-1E Aussi disponible en français
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