Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Knowing your Body Mass Index (BMI) when contacting us is crucial. Utilising our user-friendly online calculator is recommended for this purpose. While BMI is just one aspect of your evaluation, having this information allows us to initiate the appropriate discussion.
Less Than 18.5 – Underweight
Depending how underweight you are, you may need to put on some weight for the sake of your health. Your doctor or dietician will advise how to gain weight to ensure you are in a healthy weight range.
18.5 to 25 – Normal Weight
This is the ideal BMI to show that you’re in a healthy weight range. If you are within this weight range, you significantly reduce the chance of developing serious health problems.
25 to 30 – Overweight
You may be advised to lose weight to improve your health within this BMI range. Being overweight can negatively impact your overall health.
30 to 40+ – Obese
You’re at great risk of developing serious health problems if you are obese. A BMI over 30 shows that you are heavily overweight, and your doctor or dietician will strongly encourage you to take steps to lose weight.
Why BMI Matters
Carrying excess weight can have a profound impact on your health, influencing the functioning of multiple bodily systems. Among the health conditions associated with being overweight are elevated cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries and contribute to cardiovascular issues such as heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure, another common consequence of excess weight, strains the heart and blood vessels, raising the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications.
Furthermore, excess weight places added stress on the joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis, which can cause pain and mobility issues. Gallstones, formed from hardened bile, are more likely to develop in individuals who are overweight or obese. Moreover, carrying extra weight can affect hormonal balance and reproductive health, potentially decreasing fertility in both men and women.
Sleep apnea, a disorder characterised by interruptions in breathing during sleep, is more prevalent in individuals with excess weight due to the accumulation of fat around the neck and airways. This condition not only disrupts sleep patterns but also increases the risk of complications such as hypertension and heart disease.
Beyond these immediate health concerns, being overweight significantly raises the likelihood of developing more serious chronic conditions. Type 2 diabetes, for example, is strongly linked to obesity, as excess fat interferes with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This chronic condition can lead to complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and cardiovascular system, among others.
The risk of various cancers, including those affecting the breast, colon, prostate, and uterus, is higher in individuals who are overweight or obese. Adipose tissue, or fat cells, can produce hormones and other substances that promote inflammation and cell growth, potentially contributing to the development and progression of cancer.
By measuring your body fat levels, you gain valuable insights into your current weight status and overall health. This information empowers you to take proactive steps toward achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of numerous health complications and enhancing your overall well-being.
BMI is Not Right for Everyone
The BMI calculator may not provide the most accurate weight assessment for certain individuals.
Athletes, for instance, should avoid relying solely on BMI measurements due to their increased muscle mass compared to the average person. BMI fails to distinguish between muscle and fat, thus offering an incomplete picture of their body composition.
Similarly, pregnant or lactating women may receive misleading BMI readings. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause fluctuations in weight and body composition, rendering BMI calculations less reliable for this demographic.
Children and adolescents under the age of 18 are also cautioned against using BMI as a sole indicator of weight status. During these formative years, they experience rapid growth and development, making BMI less reflective of their overall health and weight trajectory.
Not everyone agrees that BMI is the best method for weight measurement. Here are the pros and cons to give you a better idea of what you can expect from a BMI weight measurement.
BMI is a necessary tool used to identify if a patient is an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery. BMI also plays a significant role in helping to determine the type of surgery recommended for a patient.
To be eligible for weight loss surgery, a patient needs to have:
Enter your details into our BMI Calculator to see if you fall under this category. If you think you fit the specifications and wish to explore weight loss surgery options with us at Weight & Metabolic Solutions Australia, contact us today.
