How Do You Measure Obesity?

 
 

The most widely-used method of measuring and identifying obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI). It is a ratio that relates your height and weight. In addition to your BMI, we also look at whether you have any co-morbidities. Co-morbidities are serious health conditions that are related to excess weight. Common ones are type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and depression. When we treat obesity, we also treat these serious conditions that are linked to excess weight in order to give you the best chance at a longer, more energetic and healthy life. If you're significantly overweight and ready to make a lifestyle change, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. 

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In general, you may qualify for bariatric surgery if you have: 

  1. A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater.

  2. A body mass index (BMI) of 35-40, with at least one or two co-morbidities related to obesity.

  3. Documentation in your medical records confirming that previous attempts at medical treatment for obesity have been unsuccessful.

  4. You are unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time, even through medically-supervised dieting.

This is the World Health Organizations (WHO) recommended body weight based on BMI values for adults. It is used for both men and women, age 18 or older.

  • If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.

  • If your BMI is 18.5 to <25, it falls within the normal.

  • If your BMI is 25.0 to <30, it falls within the overweight range.

  • If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range.

Obesity is frequently subdivided into categories:

  • Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35

  • Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40

  • Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher. Class 3 obesity is sometimes categorized as “extreme” or “severe” obesity.

Note: At an individual level, BMI can be used as a screening tool but is not diagnostic of the body fatness or the health of an individual. A trained healthcare provider should perform appropriate health assessments in order to evaluate an individual’s health status and risks. If you have questions about your BMI, talk with your health care provider.

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Please read our frequently asked questions page to learn more about weight-loss surgery and what to expect. You can also find out how other patients have benefited from joining our program by browsing our before-and-after gallery and reading testimonials from actual patients.