What is BMI?
If you are considering bariatric surgery, you should first understand what determines a healthy weight. It's more than just a number on your scale.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is:
- A number calculated from a person's weight and height.
- A fairly reliable indicator of whether you're at an appropriate weight for your height by estimating your body fat.
- An inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to obesity-related health problems.
To calculate your BMI for bariatric surgery, your height and weight are entered into a mathematical equation and the resulting number reveals whether you're underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. If your BMI is 25 or above - and you are not an athlete or you don't have a muscular build - you could be at risk for numerous health conditions, and might be a candidate for bariatric surgery.
Calculate Your BMI
Use the BMI Calculator in our Health Library to help assess your risk for health conditions.
