Body mass index values in the Cuban adult population.

An anthropometric study was carried out on 31,662 male and female adults from 20 to 60 years of age, living in Cuba's 14 provinces. Measurements were taken utilizing the methods and equipment recommended by the UN International Biological Programme. Weight/height, body mass index (BMI), Rohrer, Sheldon, Ponderal and Benn indices were registered as well as their correlation with height, weight and fat folds in order to obtain the suitable index for nutritional evaluation. The BMI was selected as the most appropriate and its values were recorded by sex, age, dwelling, educational level and type of occupation. The cut-off points of 'normal' BMI values were determined. Their range, based exclusively on anthropometric data, in general coincided with those defined by international actuarial data. The distribution of BMI values was very similar to that of developed countries with more overweight than underweight individuals, particularly in females. Rural populations were lighter than those in urban communities and had more underweight subjects. Lower educational levels were directly related to higher percentages of chronic energy deficiency (CED) in women; in men, there was no defined trend. On the contrary, in men CED was slightly more related to jobs that required light effort; in women there was no defined trend. Finally, a model of action against malnutrition is proposed.