Category: Body mass index

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. The healthy weight range for a 5'2" person is a broad spectrum, influenced by gender, muscle mass, and age.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 is categorized as underweight and is often used as a key indicator for potential malnutrition. However, malnutrition is a complex condition, and while a low BMI is a significant red flag, it is not the sole diagnostic factor. This article explores the relationship between a low BMI and malnutrition, outlines the different levels of risk, and details other signs to watch for.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 150 million children under five are stunted, highlighting the global scale of malnutrition. This widespread health issue is often classified using standardized metrics, such as the Body Mass Index (BMI), to categorize underweight and define the severity of malnutrition in adults.