BMI

What do we mean by a BMI? (Body Mass Index)

• BMI is a (ratio of weight/height) proxy measure of medical risk in anorexia
• But they are inadequate as a standalone markers
• BMI is not critical with regards to risks associated with fluids and electrolytes
• The recommendations are that a BMI calculation should be combined with an examination of:- Muscle strength, blood pressure, pulse rate, peripheral circulations and core temperature

BMI must not be a stand alone assessment.

• A BMI does not take into account whether a person is a male or female.
• Neither does it account for a person's age criteria.
• Whilst BMI is an indication to what level an adult may be at in their illness (mild, moderate, severe, critical or life threatening) it would perhaps better to use a child centile growth chart as a more accurate assessment in the case of a younger person.

BMI - South London and Maudsley Eating Disorder Clinic Guidelines:

• 20.0 - 18.5 Normal 'Healthy' Weight
• 18.5 - 17.5 Underweight
• 17.5 - 15> Anorexia Nervosa
• 15.0 - 13.5 Severe Anorexia
• 13.5 - 12.0 Critical Anx: Organs fail
• <12 Life Threatening

What is meant by 'what level' is a person at with their Eating Disorder?

Mild Anorexia/Bulimia

GP oversight, counselling, self help. Still managing to continue with day to day activities

Moderate Anorexia/Bulimia

GP oversight, self help, counselling, maybe CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) - continuing to respond well to therapy and still able to attend school or place of work.

Severe Anorexia/Bulimia

Closer monitoring by the GP, psychology/psychiatry, self help.

Critical

Close GP involvement, Hospitalisation in a general ward, a psychiatric unit or in-patient in a specialised eating disorder unit.

Life Threatening

Hospitalisation in a General Hospital/Tube Feed.