What Is BMI (Body Mass Index)?

Body mass index, commonly known as BMI, is your weight in kilograms, divided by the square of your height in meters. It is a simple way to determine your weight category (underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese). Physicians use BMI to determine whether someone is at a healthy weight. BMI is also an important tool when determining candidacy for bariatric surgery. In this blog post, Hurtsville bariatric surgeon Dr. V. Kuzinkovas shares more information on BMI.

What Is BMI and How Is it Used?

BMI is a formula used to calculate the ratio between height and weight. Bariatric surgeons use BMI to measure obesity because it usually correlates with the amount of body fat a person has. In other words, a high BMI can indicate high body fat. The following guidelines are used to categorize BMI in adults:

BMI below 18.5 = underweight

BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 = normal (healthy) weight

BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 = overweight

BMI between 30 and 39.9 = obese

BMI 40 or higher = morbidly obese

Measuring BMI in children and teenagers is slightly different. It involves taking into consideration the child or teen’s age and sex as height and weight change during growth and development.

Am I a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

It is important to note that a high BMI is not always an indicator of obesity. While someone with a high BMI is likely to have high body fat, the high calculation could also be a result of high lean body mass (i.e., muscle and bone). This is why BMI is considered to be a screening tool for obesity but it cannot be used to diagnose obesity. An evaluation with a trained healthcare provider can determine whether someone is indeed obese or not.

If you are considering bariatric surgery, Dr. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare can help. Ideal candidates for bariatric surgery are those who:

– Have a BMI of 40 or higher

– Have a BMI of at least 30 to 35 and at least one serious co-morbid health condition

– Are overweight by about 20 kilograms or more

Dr. Kuzinkovas can determine your candidacy during a thorough physical evaluation. He can then discuss your options with you and recommend the proper treatment plan. To schedule a personal consultation, please call 1300 551 533 today.