Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used index to help assess weight status and screen for obesity. BMI is a measure of weight in relation to height, and the BMI number is obtained by dividing body weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. (BMI = kg/m2)
In the bariatric community specifically, this measurement is used to help determine if a patient qualifies for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is most suitable for people with a Body Mass Index of 40 or more, or 35 or more and encountering obesity-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Learn more about how obesity is measured and if you're a candidate for bariatric surgery.
