Body mass index (BMI) is an indicator of energy deficiency or obesity in adults. BMI is computed from weight and height measurements. BMI for any person is the ratio of weight in kilograms to the square of the height in metres. Normal range for BMI is between 18.5 kg/m² to 25 kg/m². Persons with BMI less than 18.5 kg/m² are considered to suffer from chronic energy deficiency (CED) and those with BMI greater than 25 kg/m² are the obese. We have BMI data from two sources, namely the NNMB repeat survey 1997 and the NFHS-2 survey in 1998-99. The following figure shows that chronic energy deficiency among adults of AP was comparatively higher than the average for all NNMB states. Kerala and Tamil Nadu are much better placed. Karnataka shows similar levels of chronic energy deficiency among adults. The NFHS-2 data show considerably better picture for all states, except Orissa. The comparative picture between AP and Kerala or Tamil Nadu remains the same, with the later two states showing much lower prevalence of chronic energy deficiency.

Another way to look at adult nutrition is to view the percentage of people whose body mass falls in the normal range. The following figure shows the comparative picture for all NNMB states. Only about 40% of adults in AP had normal body mass around the period 1996-97. The NFHS-2 data show a slightly better picture for AP. Too little and too much of body mass are cause for concern. Less than normal body mass signified chronic energy deficiency, i.e. lack of access to food. More than normal body mass means obesity. The proportion of people with normal body mass can be low if either the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency or obesity is high or both are simultaneously high. For example, about 14% people in Kerala are obese. In Tamil Nadu about 8% people are obese. Compared to these two states, prevalence of obesity in AP is negligible (3%). Thus the low figure of persons with normal body mass, in AP, is clearly attributable to energy deficiency.

Source: Based on Body mass index (BMI) data from NNMB Repeat Survey 1996-97.

Updated by Samatha Reddy Dated: 07/08/2003