Question:medium
What should the value of BMI be to be considered as 'lethal' in men?
What should the value of BMI be to be considered as 'lethal' in men?
Show Hint
The lowest survivable BMI in men is around 13; women tolerate lower.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- 12
- 18
- 13
- 14
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Start from the definition of BMI as a weight-for-height ratio, \[BMI = \frac{\text{weight in kg}}{(\text{height in m})^{2}}.\] Standard cut-offs are: underweight below 18.5, normal 18.5 to 24.9, pre-obesity 25 to 29.9, and obesity 30 or more.
Step 2: The question asks for the extreme low value incompatible with life in men. The accepted lethal lower limit of BMI for men is 13; at this point lean and fat mass are critically depleted. Hence 13 is the answer.
Step 3: Knock out the rest. A value of 18 simply borders the underweight category and is survivable. A value of 12 lies below the male lethal figure and is in the range women may tolerate (down to around 11). A value of 14 is higher than the male lethal threshold, so it is not the lethal value asked for.
\[\boxed{\text{BMI = 13}}\]
Step 2: The question asks for the extreme low value incompatible with life in men. The accepted lethal lower limit of BMI for men is 13; at this point lean and fat mass are critically depleted. Hence 13 is the answer.
Step 3: Knock out the rest. A value of 18 simply borders the underweight category and is survivable. A value of 12 lies below the male lethal figure and is in the range women may tolerate (down to around 11). A value of 14 is higher than the male lethal threshold, so it is not the lethal value asked for.
\[\boxed{\text{BMI = 13}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0
