USE OF BODY-MASS INDEX IN THE ASSESSMENT OF ADULT NUTRITIONAL-STATUS IN VIETNAM

The authors have used body mass index (BMI: kg/m2) to assess the Vietn amese adult nutritional status and classified the population into diff erent grades of chronic energy deficiency (CED). CED is prevalent in V ietnamese adults (average 40%). The mean value of BMI of the age group 26-40 years is 19.7 but it decreases thereafter except in urban areas . The BMI curve of distribution is different between adults living in rural, urban and mountainous areas. There seems to be a relation betwe en BMI of mothers and the nutritional status of their <5-year-old chil dren. The survey also revealed a relation between maternal BMI and bir th weight, and between CED and the health status of the population.