Body mass index and percent of ideal body weight in woman of reproductive ages in Mashad, 1997-98

Back ground and As the importance of nutritional status in health and absence of information about nutritional status in women of reproductive ages in Mashhad, this study was designed to assess BMI and percent of ideal body weight of women of reproductive ages in mashhad, in 1997-98. Weight, height and wrist circumferences of 2000 healthy women was measured. They were selected by a stratified cluster randomized sampling. They aged 15-49 years and were not pregnant or lactating and didn’t use hormonal contraceptives. Data was processed by descriptive methods and relationship between BMI and percent of IBW with age was analyzed by Chi-square test. Based upon BMI, 51.6% and based upon percent of ideal body weight 47.5% ofwomen had normal weight. BMI in 21.1% of women was less than 19.8 and in 27.4% more than 26. BMI in 33.6% of under 25 years old women, was less than 19.8 and in 55.17% of women with equal or over 40 years was over than 26. Lowest BMI and percent of ideal body weight was seen in under 24 years old women and highest was seen in women of 40-45 years. Findings indicate that under and over weight is more prevalent in the both limits of reproductive ages spectrum, which indicate the need for nutritional education and counseling women in this age group.