According to the WHO BMI-based classification of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) used in nutritional surveys of adults, Grade III CED corresponds to a body mass index of:

• A Below 17.0 kg/m2
• B Below 18.5 kg/m2
• C Below 16.0 kg/m2 ✓
• D Below 15.0 kg/m2

Explanation

The James/WHO classification of chronic energy deficiency defines CED as BMI below 18.5 kg/m2, subdivided into Grade I (17.0 to 17.99), Grade II (16.0 to 16.99), and Grade III (below 16.0). Grade III denotes severe thinning with markedly increased risk. Option D, below 15, does not correspond to any standard graded boundary and serves as the distractor for candidates who overestimate the severity cut-offs.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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