title: BMI: a vital sign for patients and health professionals.
abstract: Body mass index (BMI) is a significant indicator of health and well-being.The notion of considering BMI as a vital sign was first put forward over a decade ago; however, many health-care professionals do not routinely measure height and weight, or calculate BMI. Given the current obesity epidemic, this oversight has implications for the diagnosis and management of obesity and for appropriate healthcare delivery for obese patients. The authors propose that BMI should be considered a vital sign.They suggest that protocols be put in place to encourage health-care providers to record BMI routinely and to take action to address a BMI that is outside the normal range. Promoting the routine calculation of BMI on admission or initial assessment may encourage health-care professionals to become more aware of obesity and its impact on the patient and the health system.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
authors.forename: Sara F L
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: C Lisa
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Cramm
authors.forename: Sheri L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Tarra L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Penney
authors.forename: Lorraine
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jarvie
authors.forename: Hilda
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Power
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D019985:Benchmarking; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009742:Nursing Theory; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010343:Patient Admission; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity