The Role of BMI in Determining Your Candidacy for Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is an effective way to successfully reduce weight. It can provide a range of health benefits, including improving Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic health conditions.

But health care providers recommend weight loss surgery only for people who meet certain criteria. One of the main considerations is your body mass index (BMI), which is a measurement that assesses your weight in relation to your height.

Here at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, our providers use BMI to help determine whether you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery. Although it is not the only factor we take into account, it is an important one.

With that in mind, we would like to share some context about the role of BMI in establishing whether weight loss surgery offers a good option for you.

What is BMI?

BMI is a tool that uses your height and weight to help determine whether you are overweight or obese. If you are obese, BMI classifies the level of health risks associated with your weight.

BMI is divided into the following categories:

• Underweight — Below 18.5
• Normal weight — 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight — 25 to 29.9
• Obesity — Over 30

Obesity is further divided into three BMI levels:

• Class 1 (low risk) obesity — 30 to 34.9
• Class 2 (medium risk) obesity — 35 to 39.9
• Class 3 (high risk) obesity — 40 or higher

Calculating your BMI

To determine your BMI, use this online BMI calculator from the National Institutes of Health. Generally, weight loss surgery is advised if you have a BMI over 40. You may also qualify if your BMI is over 35 and you have obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

Of course, every patient has individual health histories and medical needs. BMI is just one of the factors we take into account when evaluating your medical needs and recommending a personalized treatment plan for you.  

Other considerations that play a role in determining your suitability for weight loss surgery include your willingness to commit to activity and healthy eating after surgery and your overall health.

Learn more about weight loss surgery

If you're considering weight loss surgery, you probably have lots of questions. To get answers, we invite you to view a free online seminar. This presentation includes important information about specific types of weight loss surgery, including Lap-Band® surgery and gastric sleeve surgery.

A caring approach to weight loss

Our skilled providers can help you decide whether weight loss surgery is the right treatment for you. Contact us to request an appointment for an evaluation with one of our bariatric surgeons.