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.