[Determining the "critical" level of body mass index in dietary preventive programs]

The screening of 709 subjects of both sexes, aged from 16 to 64 years, representing samples from unorganized population was conducted to determine the critical level of body mass index as a criterion for current preventive dietary measures. Anthropometric studies were made, standard questionnaire was used to detect chest pains, ECG at rest was recorded in 12 standard leads using the Minnesota Code. Glucose level in the capillary blood was estimated with the use of "Glucoscot", the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol in the blood serum was assayed in AA-2 ("Technicon"). The results of the investigations have shown that 71.4% of males and 64.4% of females under 40 years have normal body mass. Body mass index of the most of males over 40 years comprises 25-29.9 units, and that of females 30.0-39.7 units. Body mass index 25-29.9 units corresponds to the I degree of obesity in males, and to the I-II degrees of obesity in females, while index 30-39.9 units corresponds to the II degree of obesity in males, and to the II-III degrees of obesity in females. The authors have recommended body mass index 25 units as the reference criterion for preventive measures to control the main chronic diseases.