BMI

What is BMI?

Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation of weight and height that provides a guide to healthy body weight. Your BMI score places you in one of four categories:

• Underweight
• Normal or healthy weight
• Overweight
• Obese

BMI scores are a simple, cost-effective method of finding out whether your weight is putting your health at risk. However, BMI scores are a screening tool rather than a detailed assessment of how much body fat you have.

If your BMI is high, you might need to undergo further tests such as skinfold thickness measurements and body fat analysis. Diet, physical activity, family history, and other factors can also be important in accurately assessing the health risk of your BMI.

How is BMI calculated?

To find your BMI, you need to know your height and weight. Then you divide your weight (in pounds) by your height (in inches squared) and multiply that number by 703. Standard BMI readings are:

• Below 18.5: underweight
• 18.5-24.9: normal or healthy weight
• 25-29.9: overweight
• 30 and above: obese

If your BMI is over 35, you’re severely obese.

What are the effects on my health of having a high BMI?

Having a high BMI increases your risk of premature death from all causes. Some of the conditions that most commonly affect people who have a high BMI include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Some cancers
• Depression and anxiety

A high BMI often means your quality of life is poor, with general aches and pains, problems moving, and difficulties with self-care being common concerns.

What should I do if I have a high BMI?

If you have a high BMI, your priority is to lose the excess weight. The best way to achieve this is through diet and exercise, following a medically approved weight loss program and changing your lifestyle permanently.

For some severely overweight people, these measures aren’t enough, in which case bariatric surgery could be the answer.

How do I qualify for bariatric surgery?

To qualify for bariatric surgery you must have a BMI of 40 or more, or a BMI over 35 and suffer from an obesity-related condition (comorbidity). You need to be over 18, and not losing enough weight despite following a sensible diet and exercise plan and undergoing behavioral and medical therapy.

You also need to understand what’s involved in bariatric surgery, which is a major procedure, and accept the risks involved. After your surgery, you have to commit to following the diet advised, take vitamin supplements, engage with the exercise program, and attend follow-up appointments at Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C.

If your BMI is between 35-40, you need to have two comorbidities to get insurance company approval for bariatric surgery.

Find out whether you can benefit from bariatric surgery by calling Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C. today or book an appointment online.