Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) may be a helpful indicator for body fat, based on a height/weight ratio. Your doctor may consider BMI as one way to know if you’re a candidate for weight loss surgery. BMI is not a determination of health, although it may indicate a weight category that can lead to health problems such as:
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • High blood pressure
  • Certain cancers

How to Use the BMI Calculator

  1. Enter your height and weight into the calculator and select Calculate.
  2. Compare your result to the National Institute of Health table:
    Adult BMICategory
    Below 18.5Underweight
    18.5 – 24.9Normal
    25.0 – 29.9Overweight
    30.0 and aboveObese
You may be a candidate for weight loss surgery if your BMI is 40 or higher or you have a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity related health conditions. 

Calculator Limitations

The BMI calculator is a helpful tool for most women and men, with the following exceptions:
  • Athletes with a muscular build may show exaggerated BMI
  • Older people or people who have lost muscle may show lower BMI
  • Different interpretations apply for children and teens than adults
Please talk with your doctor if you feel like the BMI calculator is not an accurate measure of body fat.

Weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 35, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with the Lap Band® is also FDA-approved for weight loss surgery in people with a BMI of 30 to 35 who have at least one obesity¬related condition. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery. These testimonials reflect results achieved by these patients. As each case must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary.

BMI Calculator

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women.Enter the following information and calculate your BMI.

Height
Weight
Your results:
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Being underweight may weaken your immune system and increase the risk of malnutriation and osteoporosis.
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Some of the benefits of achieving a healthy weight include decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, increased energy and improved self - esteem.
Some of the benefits of achieving a healthy weight include decreased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, increased energy and improved self - esteem.

Underweight

Less than 18.5

Normal

18.5 to 24.9

Overweight

25 to 29.9

Obese

30 or greater

  • Note: Results of the BMI calculator are based on averages.
  • Privacy Assurance: Information that you enter will not be saved or sent to any website.
  • Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institutes of Health; U.S.Department of Health and Human Services.

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