Standard and Amputation-Adjusted Body Mass Index Measures: Comparison and Relevance to Functional Measures, Weight-Related Comorbidities, and Dieting

Abstract People with limb loss may misjudge weight-related health when not adjusting body mass index (BMI) for amputation level. This cross-sectional, community-based study compared BMI and amputation-adjusted BMI (A-BMI) and evaluated relationships among BMI categories, function, and dieting. Subjects provided self-reported demographic, functional, and medical/prosthetic data including height and weight and completed performance-based balance and gait measures. A Web-based A-BMI calculator adjusted for amputation levels. Results for 294 subjects from 11 states (68.4% men; 76.5% white; average age, 55.6 [15.1] y) were reported, with vascular (49.7%) and unilateral transtibial (40.8%) amputations as the most common. Body mass index and A-BMI were closely correlated (Pearson r = 0.99), but a BMI of 28.6 (6.7) was less than an A-BMI of 30.3 (6.2) (t test, P 0.05). A larger than random proportion categorized as overweight by BMI dieted (χ2, P 0.05). People with limb loss using BMI may underestimate weight-related health; a Web-based A-BMI calculator may help monitor weight to make dieting decisions.

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