When it comes to assessing a person’s candidacy for weight loss surgery, the term “BMI” is one you will likely hear quite often. Although it is only one of the factors taken into account to determine whether bariatric surgery is a viable option for one’s needs and goals, it is nevertheless a valuable tool of measurement to establish an individual’s body mass index (BMI), which can ultimately indicate whether or not they are at a healthy weight for their size. The BMI metric gauges an individual’s body weight in relation to their height, providing a rough estimate of whether they are underweight, a normal weight, overweight, or obese. The obesity classification for one’s BMI ranges in severity from “obesity” to “super morbid obesity,” depending on the results of the BMI calculation.
The easiest way to measure your body mass index is to use a BMI calculator. The formula of measurement for weight is based in kilograms rather than pounds, and for height the measurement is in meters: weight (kg) divided by height (m)2. With the BMI calculator available on our website, you can input your height in feet and inches along with your weight in pounds and it will make the necessary metric adjustments to produce an estimated BMI. Our calculator also includes a chart that describes what the results mean. To qualify for certain weight loss surgery procedures, individuals must meet certain BMI criteria. That criteria can also be helpful for determining specific surgical options that may be suitable for patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery.
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations. It doesn’t account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and other differences between body types. Therefore, athletes or muscular individuals might have a high BMI but not have excess body fat. Conversely, someone with a normal BMI might have higher body fat if they have low muscle mass.
Measuring your BMI is a simple way to gauge your body weight relative to your height, but it is important to note that it is not a direct measure of body fat (although it is somewhat correlated with other body fat metrics). The best way to gain a comprehensive understanding of your health as it relates to your BMI is to consult with a healthcare professional who can consider additional factors and provide a more personalized assessment. If you are considering bariatric surgery and you believe your BMI falls in the range of eligibility, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. James Parrish for a consultation. Dr. Parrish will be happy to answer your questions and talk with you about your options.