BMI Calculator: Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

BMI Limitations

It is important to note that the BMI calculator does have its limitations. A BMI calculator overestimates body fat in people who have high muscular build. It can’t differentiate weight that is pure fat and weight that is due to advanced muscle. BMI calculator may be particularly harmful to athletes who may weight more, but that is because their body is muscular. Then it also underestimates the amount of body fat an individual who has lost quite a bit of muscle – this is true for the elderly. Be sure to verify your results with a doctor or healthcare professional before taking your BMI count too seriously.

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

We consider a high BMI anybody who is considered overweight or obese. There are many problems that can arise if somebody falls into these categories. A BMI, although not perfect, is a good indicator of potential health concerns that may arise. People who are overweight or who are obese have a higher chance of suffering from weight-related health issues such as Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. 

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.

So, Can I Get Bariatric Surgery?

As a bariatric surgery center, we primarily serve patients who are morbidly obese. We do not typically perform any type of bariatric surgery on individuals who are overweight, or who are even slightly obese. 

Our rule of thumb:

• BMI of 30 or over
• Unable to achieve healthy weight
• Struggle maintaining a healthy weight
• Tried other methods of diet and exercise and have been unsuccessful
• Dealing with weight-related conditions

Ultimately, you will have to meet with one of our surgeons to determine if you would be a good candidate for bariatric surgery. Our team would be happy to discuss all of the pros and cons of the procedure and figure out which one is best for you, or what path you should take.