BMI CALCULATOR
The Concept of Obesity
Not everyone who has a weight problem
should consider surgery. It depends on
whether or not you are overweight,
obese, or morbidly obese. One way to tell
is by your Body Mass Index (BMI). Your
BMI depends on both your weight and
your height. There is a chart below to
help you find your own BMI.
Surgical Candidates
An ideal BMI is 19 to 25.1 If your BMI is
between 25 and 30, you are thought to be
overweight. If it is higher than 30, you are
obese. That means you are at risk for
health problems. If your BMI is 40 or
more, you are said to have “morbid”
obesity. A BMI higher than 40 suggests
surgery might be a proper approach. For
some people with a BMI between 35 and
40 (“severe” obesity), surgery might also
be a good choice. These are people who
have other conditions. For instance, if your
BMI is 37 and you have severe sleep
apnea, diabetes mellitus, or heart
problems, your doctor might suggest
surgery to help you lose weight.
In the following pages, you will find out
more about the causes of obesity and
morbid obesity. You will also find out
about problems connected with excess
weight and learn about methods for
treating it. |

Body Mass Index Classification
Underweight |
<19 |
Ideal BMI |
19-24.9 |
Overweight |
25-29.9 |
Obesity |
30-34.9 |
Severe Obesity |
35-39.9 |
Morbid Obesity |
40-49.9 |
Super Obesity |
50 or more |
Please note that BMI does not distingish between fat and muscle.
It is possible for a heavily muscled individual to have a BMI in excess of 25 without increased health risks. |
It is important that you ask your surgeon all
the questions you may have about obesity
surgery and the LAP-BAND Adjustable
Gastric Banding System. It is also essential
that you follow his or her advice.
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