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BMI Criteria for Bariatric Surgery

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.