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Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a mathematical formula that uses your weight and height information to calculate your body mass. Note that it does not determine your actual body fat percentage, however. Body fat is exceedingly difficult to measure, as the most accurate method involves weighing a person underwater. As a result, BMI is simply the most practical standardized way to evaluate weight.

Your BMI is your body weight in kilograms is divided by the square of your height in meters. The resulting number generally indicates the extent of one's obesity, as well as the degree of risk for weight-related complications.

Those in the last category (BMI > 40) can qualify for weight loss surgery according to NIH guidelines. In addition, the guidelines also allow for surgery for those with a BMI > 35 when accompanied by significant co-morbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.

A BMI of 22-25 is considered normal, 25-30 overweight, 30-35 obese, 35-40 class II obesity and more than 40 morbidly obese or class III obesity. Surgery is considered for individuals with a BMI of 40 or those with BMI of 35 with a life threatening complication from their obesity.