BMI Calculator: Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Use the BMI calculator below to determine your body mass index by inputting your height and weight. The BMI calculator uses a formula that produces a score often used to tell whether a person is underweight, a normal weight, overweight, or obese.

Related: Estimate Your Weight Loss with Our Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Calculator

Use the BMI calculator below to determine your body mass index by inputting your height and weight. The BMI calculator uses a formula that produces a score often used to tell whether a person is underweight, a normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI

29

You are overweight

You may be a candidate for surgery.

Inquire Now

Get a Free Consultation

Find out if you are eligible for bariatric surgery. For faster answers please call 844-736-3963.

BMI Formula In-Lbs

Ideally, BMI is calculated using kilograms and centimeters, but you can also calculate using pounds and inches using the following simple steps. Suppose an individual is 5 ft 3 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds; you can calculate the BMI as follows:

  1. Using the metric conversion factor, multiply their weight in pounds, i.e., 125 X 0.45= 56.25 kg.
  2. Using the metric conversion factor, multiply height in inches, i.e., 63 X 0.025= 1.575 m
  3. Next, you square the height. 1.575 X 1.575 = 2.480625 
  4. Divide the weight in kilograms by the square of your height. 56.25 / 2.480625 = 22.7

The answer: For an individual who is 5 ft 3 inches and weighs 125 lbs, their BMI is 22.7, rounded off to 23.

BMI Categories & What They Mean

Standard BMI categories for adults are as follows:

  1. BMI below 18.5 indicates that the individual is underweight.
  2. BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 means the individual has healthy or normal weight.
  3. BMI of between 25 and 29.9 means that the person is overweight.
  4. BMI of 30 and above signifies the individual is obese.

In children and teenagers, the BMI is dependent on sex and age.

Health Consequences of High BMI

BMI is essential in determining obesity and overweight. It is calculated using one’s weight and height. It is an estimate of the body fat one has and a good indication of their risk for particular diseases that are impacted by body fat. The higher one’s BMI is, the higher the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, particular cancers, gallstones, and breathing problems may increase or decrease.  Although BMI is a good indicator of body fat and overall health, it has some limitations. First, it overestimates body fat in people with a high muscular build, such as athletes. Secondly, it underestimates body fat in individuals who have lost muscle, such as older adults. BMI should, therefore, not be taken at face value. A doctor or other healthcare provider must consider other elements before deciding whether one is seen as overweight, underweight, or even obese. Some of the key health issues associated with a high BMI include:

  • High blood pressure hypertension
  • High LDL, Dyslipidemia, or low HDL cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Breathing problems
  • Sleep apnea
  • Anxiety, clinical depression, and other mental disorders
  • Difficulty with physical functioning and body pain

Do I Qualify for Bariatric Surgery

BMI is one of the key determinants when it comes to bariatric surgery. People who are overweight or moderately obese and wish to lose weight without bariatric surgery do not qualify for this type of surgery. Because of its intensity, it is reserved for individuals who are morbidly obese. There are less invasive medical procedures that can be used for people who are overweight.

To qualify for bariatric surgery:

  1. You must have a BMI of 30 or greater.
  2. If you have been unable to achieve and maintain healthy weight loss for a long time, you could be considered for surgery.

Other rules regarding bariatric surgery determine if one can have it or not, and these may change from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In the United States, for instance, it is recommended that only board-certified surgeons with specialized training and ample patient experience perform the surgeries and provide post-operative care. Patients who meet the criteria but have pre-existing conditions related or not related to obesity can also be disqualified for the procedure if the risk is low. This is because pre-existing illnesses could increase the risk of surgery or a complication for them. For instance, this operation cannot be conducted on a cancer patient. Patients who have undergone other weight loss procedures might also be disqualified from bariatric surgery depending on the type and nature of the previous weight loss process

Get a Free Consultation

Find out if you are eligible for bariatric surgery. For faster answers please call 844-736-3963.