As per WHO classification of chronic energy deficiency in adults using Body Mass Index, Grade III (severe) chronic energy deficiency corresponds to a BMI of:

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

Explanation

The WHO grades adult chronic energy deficiency as: Grade I, BMI 17.0 to 18.49; Grade II, BMI 16.0 to 16.99; Grade III, BMI less than 16.0 kg/m². The commonest error is choosing 17.0, which marks only the boundary between normal and Grade I deficiency. Remembering the three-step ladder of 18.5, 17.0 and 16.0 resolves this item reliably.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.