Question

Which patient is at highest risk for complications of obesity?

a. A 30-year-old woman who is 5 ft (151 cm) tall, weighs 140 lb (63 kg), and carries weight in her thighs.
b. A 56-year-old woman with a BMI of 38 kg/m2, a waist measurement of 38 in (96 cm), and a hip measurement of 36 in (91 cm)
c. A 42-year-old man with a waist measurement of 36 in (91 cm) and a hip measurement of 36 in (91 cm) who is 5 ft, 6 in (166 cm) tall and weighs 150 lb (68.2 kg)
d. A 68-year-old man with a waist measurement of 38 in (96 cm) and a hip measurement of 42 in (76 cm) who is 5 ft, 11 in (179 cm) tall and weighs 200 lb (90.9 kg)

Answer 1

The patient at the highest risk for complications of obesity is the 56-year-old woman with a BMI of 38 kg/m2, a waist measurement of 38 in (96 cm), and a hip measurement of 36 in (91 cm).

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient at the highest risk for complications of obesity is option b, the 56-year-old woman with a BMI of 38 kg/m2, a waist measurement of 38 in (96 cm), and a hip measurement of 36 in (91 cm).

Obesity is diagnosed based on the BMI, and a BMI of 38 kg/m2 falls into the obese category. Additionally, the waist-to-hip ratio of this patient is above the diagnostic criteria for central obesity, which is associated with a higher risk of adverse health consequences.

Unlike the other options, which have lower BMIs or more balanced fat distribution, this patient has multiple risk factors indicating a higher risk of complications associated with obesity.