Body Mass Index.
Obesity is measured by body mass index (or BMI)
- A body mass index of more than 27.5 is considered overweight.
- A body mass index of more than 30 is considered obese.
- A body mass index of more than 35 is considered morbidly obese.
Weight loss surgery could be appropriate for people with a body mass index of over 40. Weight loss surgery could also be an option for those with a body mass index of over 35 if they have co-morbidity related to the obesity such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure etc.
In general, obesity surgery is not recommended for people under 18 or over 60 years.
Calculate your Body Mass Index
Enter your weight and height below to calculate your BMI:
Or use the chart below to find out if you may with to consider weight loss surgery. Along the top of the chart, find the closest value to your height in metres. Down the left-hand side of the chart, find the closest value to your weight in kilograms. Then look on the chart to see where these two values cross - this is your Body Mass Index. For example, someone who is 1.65m tall and weighs 115 kilograms has a Body Mass Index of 42.
