Healthcare Math:

Weight Management Calculations

Industry: Healthcare

Content Area: Mathematics

Core Topics: Converting measurements, using formulas, solving algebraic equations, computing
percents, performing operations with decimals

Objective: Students will be able to convert body measurements to metric units, use a formula to
calculate body mass index (BMI) and goal weight, and compute the percent of change for weight loss.

Materials included:
Instructor’s notes
Scenario: Medical Assistant
Student worksheets
Quiz
Answer Keys

Industry Overview:
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the healthcare industry is expected to generate over 20%
of all new jobs created in the U.S. economy between 2012 and 2022. * The healthcare industry is
comprised of a vast array of jobs, ranging from nursing assistants to physicians. Mathematics and
literacy skills are essential for students who plan to pursue a career in this field. Healthcare
professionals, including medical assistants, must have the ability to convert units of measurement
between the metric and US customary systems. They must also be able to use formulas and perform
accurate calculations with percents.

* Source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.t06.htm

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Instructor’s notes:
 The purpose of this module is to help students develop and apply math skills in a healthcare
workplace setting. The learning activities were designed to be incorporated throughout
multiple instructional periods as math concepts are taught in a healthcare context.

 After completing the module, students should be able to:

o Convert body measurements to metric units
o Calculate body mass index (BMI) using the BMI formula
o Use the BMI formula to calculate goal weight
o Compute the percent of change for weight loss

 Setting the stage: Provide students with background information about the typical
responsibilities of a medical assistant. You may want to have students use the occupational
outlook handbook, O*NET and/or other relevant websites to research the job responsibilities,
educational/training requirements, salary, etc. for this position. In addition, you could have
students view a YouTube video depicting the typical responsibilities of a medical assistant.
(See links below)

Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook:

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

Occupational Information Network (O*NET)

http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9092.00

A day in the life of a medical assistant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jbS5bLzQoU

 For Activity 1: Explain the steps for converting body measurements into metric units. Work
the first example as a class. Have students work the second example independently. Provide
additional practice as needed. Answers to practice problems: 131.8 kg; 1.78 m. Have
students complete Worksheet 1.

 For Activity 2: Explain how to calculate body mass index (BMI) using the BMI formula. Work
the first scenario example with the class. Have students work the second example
independently. Provide additional practice as needed. Answers to the practice problems:
41.6; Obese class III (very severely obese). Have students complete Worksheet 2.

For Activity 3: Demonstrate how to use the BMI formula to calculate goal weight. Work the
first example with the class. Explain how to calculate the percent of change from original
weight to goal weight. Work the first example with the class. Have students work the second
example independently. Provide additional practice as needed. Answer to practice problems:
76.1 kg; 167 lb; 123 lb; 42.4%. Have students complete Worksheet 3.

 Assessment: Quiz – Converting measurements, calculating BMI, goal weight, and

percent of change

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Workplace Scenario:
You are a medical assistant working at a clinic specializing in weight management. Most of your
clients are referred to the clinic by their primary care physicians because they have health problems
related to being overweight. You are responsible for collecting data on your patients and monitoring
their progress over the course of their enrollment in your program. Your responsibilities often include
making accurate mathematical calculations for assessment and recordkeeping purposes.

Activity 1: Converting body measurements

When clients enroll in your program, you are responsible for gathering and recording data, such as
age, gender, weight and height. You also convert each client’s weight into kilograms and height into
meters. These metric measurements are used to calculate body mass index (BMI). BMI is just one
of many tools used to help your clients develop a safe and healthy weight management plan. For
example, Mary K is a 32 year-old female patient in your program; she is 62 inches tall and weighs
216 pounds. You use the following conversion chart to help you convert Mary’s weight into kilograms
and height into meters.

The chart shows that 1 kg = 2.2 lb. You can divide Mary’s weight in
pounds by 2.2 to find her weight in kilograms. Round your answer to
the nearest tenths place, if necessary. Conversion Chart

216 ÷ 2.2 = 98.2 kg. 1 kg = 2.2 lb

The chart shows that 1 m = 39.37 in. You can calculate Mary’s height in 1 m = 39.37 in
meters by dividing her height in inches by 39.37. Round your answer to
the nearest hundredths place, if necessary.

62 ÷ 39.37 = 1.57 m

John S. is a 61 year-old client. John’s weight is 290 pounds and his height is 70 inches. Convert
John’s weight and height into metric measurements and record this information in the chart below.

John weighs _________ kg

John’s height is __________m

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight kg Height m

lb in

Mary K F 32 216 62 98.2 1.6

John J M 61 290 70

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Worksheet 1: Converting body measurements Name _________________________

Recently, you began working with the following group of clients at the clinic. You need to convert
each person’s body measurements into metric units. Round weight to the nearest tenths place and
height to the nearest hundredths place, if necessary. Record all the information for each client on the
intake chart provided. The first one has been started for you.

Sam A. Male, age: 42, weight: 304 lb, height: 73 in

Rodney B. Male, age: 61, weight: 248 lb, height: 70 in

Kim C. Female, age: 40, weight: 158 lb, height: 60 in

Keisha D. Female, age: 49, weight: 173 lb, height: 63 in

Alex E. Male, age: 43, weight: 193 lb, height: 66 in

Lashonda F. Female, age: 54, weight: 165 lb, height: 62 in

Pam G. Female, age: 47, weight: 175 lb, height: 65 in

Demarcus H. Male, age: 52, weight: 265 lb, height: 66 in

Juan I. Male, age: 58, weight: 290 lb, height: 71 in

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight Height

lb in kg m

Sam A. M 42 304 73

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Activity 2: Calculating body mass index (BMI)

One of the tools you use to help clients set healthy weight loss goals is body mass index (BMI). BMI
is a measure of an adult’s weight in relation to his or her height. It is calculated by dividing a person’s
weight in kilograms by the square of his or her height in meters. The chart below shows BMI
classifications.

Category BMI range – kg/m2

Very severely underweight less than 15
Severely underweight from 15.0 to 16.0
Underweight from 16.0 to 18.5
Normal (healthy weight) from 18.5 to 25
Overweight from 25 to 30
Obese Class I (Moderately obese) from 30 to 35
Obese Class II (Severely obese) from 35 to 40
Obese Class III (Very severely obese) over 40
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_mass_index

The formula to calculate BMI: BMI = Weight (kilograms)

Height (meters)2

Example 1:
Mary K weighs 98.2 kilograms and her height is 1.57 meters. Use the formula to calculate Mary’s
BMI. Round your answer in the last step to the nearest tenths place, if necessary.

BMI = Weight (kg)_ = _98.2_ = _98.2_ = _39.9_

Height (m)2 1.572 2.46

According to the BMI chart, Mary would be classified as Obese Class II (severely obese).

Example 2:
John J weighs 131.8 kilograms and is 1.78 meters in height. Use the formula to calculate John’s BMI.
Round your answer in the last step to the nearest tenths place, if necessary.

BMI = Weight (kg)

Height (m)2

John’s BMI is __________ According to the BMI chart, John would classified as ______________.

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Worksheet 2: Calculating BMI Name _________________________

Use the formula to calculate the BMI for each of your clients from worksheet 1. Complete the intake
chart with the required information and answer the questions.

BMI = Weight (kg)

Height (m)2

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight Height Intake

lb in kg m BMI

Sam A. M 42 304 73 138.2 1.85

Rodney B. M 61 248 70 112.7 1.78

Kim C. F 40 158 60 71.8 1.52

Keisha D. F 49 173 63 78.6 1.6

Alex E. M 43 193 66 87.7 1.68

Lashonda F. F 54 165 62 75 1.57

Pam G. F 47 175 65 79.5 1.65

Demarcus H. M 52 265 66 120.4 1.68

Juan I. M 58 290 71 131.8 1.8

Use the BMI classification chart to help you answer the following questions.
1. How many clients would be classified as Class I (moderately obese)? _________

2. Which clients have the same BMI? ___________________________

3. Which client weighs the most? ____________________

4. Which client has the highest BMI? ___________________

5. Which client would be classified as Class II (severely obese)? __________________

6. How many clients would be classified as Class III (very severely obese)? __________

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Activity 3: Calculating goal weight and percent change
For most clients entering the program, the target BMI is set at 24. You can use the BMI formula to
calculate the goal weight for the clients in your group.
Example 1:
Mary K’s height is 1.57 meters. Her target BMI is 24. Use the BMI formula to calculate Mary’s goal
weight. Plug the target BMI of 24 and Mary’s height of 1.57 into the formula. 1.572 = 2.46. To solve
for X, multiply both sides of the equation by 2.46. Mary’s goal weight is 59 kg.

BMI = Weight (kg) 24 = x__ 24 = _x_ (2.46)24 = _x (2.46) x = 59 kg

Height (m)2 1.572 2.46 2.46

Since most clients use scales that measure in pounds, you convert their goal weight from kilograms
to pounds. For example, to convert Mary’s goal weight in kilograms to pounds, multiply 59 by 2.2 and
round to the nearest whole number. 59 x 2.2 = 129.8 130 lb. If Mary’s starting weight is 216
pounds, how many pounds does she need to lose to reach her goal weight? 216 – 130 = 86 lb.

Another task you have at the clinic is to calculate the percent of change for each client’s weight loss
goal. To compute the percent of change, divide the number of pounds a client needs to lose by his or
her initial weight. Round your answer to the nearest tenths place, if necessary. Since Mary’s initial
weight is 216 pounds, and she needs to lose 86 pounds to reach her goal weight, this represents a
39.8% decrease in her weight.
86 ÷ 216 = .3981 39.8 %

Example 2:
John J’s height is 1.78 meters. His target BMI is 24. Use the BMI formula to calculate John’s goal
weight in kilograms and then convert into pounds. Next, compute the number of pounds John needs
to lose and the percent of change for this weight loss.

John’s goal weight in kilograms is ___________kg

John’s goal weight in pounds is ____________lb

John needs to lose ___________ pounds to reach his goal weight.

What percent of his weight does John need to lose? ___________%

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Worksheet 3: Calculating goal weight & percent of change Name __________________

The supervising physician at the clinic has asked you to complete the intake data for each of the new
participants in your group. It is important to make and record accurate calculations because this
information will be used to help clients develop and maintain a healthy weight management plan.
Complete each of the following tasks for each participant and record your answers in the appropriate
column of the intake chart. The first one has been completed for you.
The target BMI for your clients is 24. Use the BMI formula to calculate the goal weight in kilograms
for each of the participants in your program.
Convert the goal weight in kilograms to weight in pounds and compute the amount of weight loss
needed for each person to reach his or her goal weight.
Compute the percent of change for each client’s weight loss goal.

Example: Sam A.

BMI = Weight(kg) 24 = __x__ 24 = __x _ (3.42)24 = _x_ (3.42) x = 82.1 kg

Height(m)2 (1.85)2 3.42 3.42

82.1 x 2.2 = 180.6 181 lb goal weight 304 – 181 = 123 lb to lose

123 ÷ 304 = .4046 40.5% percent of weight to lose

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight Height Intake Goal # of lb % of lb

lb in kg m BMI weight to lose to lose
in lb

Sam A. M 42 304 73 138.2 1.85 40.4 181 123 40.5%

Rodney B. M 61 248 70 112.7 1.78 35.6

Kim C. F 40 158 60 71.8 1.52 31.1

Keisha D. F 49 173 63 78.6 1.6 30.7

Alex E. M 43 193 66 87.7 1.68 31.1

Lashonda F. F 54 165 62 75 1.57 30.5

Pam G. F 47 175 65 79.5 1.65 29.2

Demarcus H. M 52 265 66 120.4 1.68 42.7

Juan I. M 58 290 71 131.8 1.8 40.7

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Quiz: Conversions, calculating BMI, goal weight & percent change Name: ______________

Several new clients enrolled in your weight management program this week. Perform all the
calculations listed below and complete the intake chart with the required information.
Convert each person’s weight into kilograms and round to the nearest tenths place, if necessary.
Convert each person’s height into meters and round to the nearest hundredths place, if necessary.
Use the BMI formula to calculate each client’s BMI.
The target BMI for each person in this group is 24. Use the BMI formula to calculate each person’s
goal weight in kilograms.
Convert the goal weight in kilograms to weight in pounds and round to the nearest whole number.
Compute the number of pounds each person needs to lose to achieve his or her goal weight.
Calculate the percent of change for each client’s weight loss goal and round to the nearest tenths
place, if necessary.

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight Height Intake Goal # of lb % of lb

lb in kg m BMI weight to lose to lose
in lb

Mike A M 35 250 72

Sarah B F 28 155 60

Becky C F 39 170 58

Larry D M 29 280 71

Ann E F 32 235 69

Dave F M 25 189 68

Walter G M 34 262 70

Diane H F 27 151 61

Cindy I F 38 162 65

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Worksheet 1: Converting body measurements Answer Key

Recently, you began working with the following group of clients at the clinic. You need to convert
each person’s body measurements into metric units. Round weight to the nearest tenths place and
height to the nearest hundredths place, if necessary. Record all the information for each client on the
intake chart provided. The first one has been started for you.

Sam A. Male, age: 42, weight: 304 lb, height: 73 in

Rodney B. Male, age: 61, weight: 248 lb, height: 70 in

Kim C. Female, age: 40, weight: 158 lb, height: 60 in

Keisha D. Female, age: 49, weight: 173 lb, height: 63 in

Alex E. Male, age: 43, weight: 193 lb, height: 66 in

Lashonda F. Female, age: 54, weight: 165 lb, height: 62 in

Pam G. Female, age: 47, weight: 175 lb, height: 65 in

Demarcus H. Male, age: 52, weight: 265 lb, height: 66 in

Juan I. Male, age: 58, weight: 290 lb, height: 71 in

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight Height

lb in kg m

Sam A. M 42 304 73 138.2 1.85

Rodney B M 61 248 70 112.7 1.78

Kim C F 40 158 60 71.8 1.52

Keisha D F 49 173 63 78.6 1.60

Alex E M 43 193 66 87.7 1.68

Lashonda F F 54 165 62 75 1.57

Pam G F 47 175 65 79.5 1.65

Demarcus H M 52 265 66 120.4 1.68

Juan I M 58 290 71 131.8 1.80

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Worksheet 2: Calculating BMI Answer Key

Use the formula to calculate the BMI for each of your clients from worksheet 1. Complete the intake
chart with the required information and answer the questions.

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight Height Intake

lb in kg m BMI

Sam A. M 42 304 73 138.2 1.85 40.4

Rodney B. M 61 248 70 112.7 1.78 35.6

Kim C. F 40 158 60 71.8 1.52 31.1

Keisha D. F 49 173 63 78.6 1.6 30.7

Alex E. M 43 193 66 87.7 1.68 31.1

Lashonda F. F 54 165 62 75 1.57 30.5

Pam G. F 47 175 65 79.5 1.65 29.2

Demarcus H. M 52 265 66 120.4 1.68 42.7

Juan I. M 58 290 71 131.8 1.8 40.7

Use the BMI classification chart to help you answer the following questions.
1. How many clients would be classified as Class I (moderately obese)? ____4_____

2. Which clients have the same BMI? Kim C and Alex E

3. Which client weighs the most? Sam A

4. Which client has the highest BMI? Demarcus H

5. Which client would be classified as Class II (severely obese)? Rodney B

6. How many clients would be classified as Class III (very severely obese)? ____3_____

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Worksheet 3: Calculating goal weight & percent of change Answer Key

The supervising physician at the clinic has asked you to complete the intake data for each of the new
participants in your group. It is important to make and record accurate calculations because this
information will be used to help clients develop and maintain a healthy weight management plan.
Complete each of the following tasks for each participant and record your answers in the appropriate
column of the intake chart. The first one has been completed for you.
The target BMI for your clients is 24. Use the BMI formula to calculate the goal weight in kilograms
for each of the participants in your program.
Convert the goal weight in kilograms to weight in pounds and compute the amount of weight loss
needed for each person to reach his or her goal weight.
Compute the percent of change for each client’s weight loss goal.
Example: Sam A

BMI = Weight(kg) 24 = __x__ 24 = __x _ (3.42)24 = _x_ (3.42) x = 82.1 kg

Height(m)2 (1.85)2 3.42 3.42

82.1 x 2.2 = 180.6 181 lb goal weight 304 – 181 = 123 lb to lose

123 ÷ 304 = .4046 40.5% percent of weight to lose

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight Height Intake Goal # of lb % of lb

lb in kg m BMI weight to lose to lose
in lb

Sam A. M 42 304 73 138.2 1.85 40.4 181 123 40.5%

Rodney B. M 61 248 70 112.7 1.78 35.6 167 81 32.7%

Kim C. F 40 158 60 71.8 1.52 31.1 122 36 22.8%

Keisha D. F 49 173 63 78.6 1.6 30.7 135 38 22%

Alex E. M 43 193 66 87.7 1.68 31.1 149 44 22.8%

Lashonda F. F 54 165 62 75 1.57 30.5 130 35 21.2%

Pam G. F 47 175 65 79.5 1.65 29.2 144 31 17.8%

Demarcus H. M 52 265 66 120.4 1.68 42.7 149 116 43.8%

Juan I. M 58 290 71 131.8 1.8 40.7 171 119 41%

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Quiz: Conversions, calculating BMI, goal weight & percent change Answer Key

Several new clients enrolled in your weight management program this week. Perform all the
calculations listed below and complete the intake chart with the required information.
Convert each person’s weight into kilograms and round to the nearest tenths place, if necessary.
Convert each person’s height into meters and round to the nearest hundredths place, if necessary.
Use the BMI formula to calculate each client’s BMI.
The target BMI for each person in this group is 24. Use the BMI formula to calculate each person’s
goal weight in kilograms.
Convert the goal weight in kilograms to weight in pounds and round to the nearest whole number.
Compute the number of pounds each person needs to lose to achieve his or her goal weight.
Calculate the percent of change for each client’s weight loss goal and round to the nearest tenths
place, if necessary.

Name M/F Age Weight Height Weight Height Intake Goal # of lb % of lb

lb in kg m BMI weight to lose to lose
in lb

Mike A M 35 250 72 113.6 1.83 33.9 177 73 29.2%

Sarah B F 28 155 60 70.5 1.52 30.5 122 33 21.3%

Becky C F 39 170 58 77.3 1.47 35.8 114 56 32.9%

Larry D M 29 280 71 127.3 1.80 39.3 171 109 38.9%

Ann E F 32 235 69 106.8 1.75 34.9 161 74 31.5%

Dave F M 25 189 68 85.9 1.73 28.7 158 31 16.4%

Walter G M 34 262 70 119.1 1.78 37.6 167 95 36.3%

Diane H F 27 151 61 68.6 1.55 28.6 127 24 15.9%

Cindy I F 38 162 65 73.6 1.65 27.1 144 18 11.1%

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