In adults, chronic energy deficiency (CED) is classified using body mass index. A labourer has a BMI of 16.4 kg/m2. This corresponds to which grade of chronic energy deficiency?

• A Grade I CED
• B Normal nutritional status
• C Grade III CED
• D Grade II CED ✓

Explanation

Adult chronic energy deficiency is defined as BMI below 18.5 kg/m2. It is graded as Grade I (BMI 17.00 to 18.49), Grade II (BMI 16.00 to 16.99) and Grade III (BMI below 16.00). A BMI of 16.4 falls in Grade II, indicating moderate thinness associated with reduced work capacity. Grade III represents severe thinness carrying a high risk of morbidity and mortality.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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