Am I A Candidate?
Obesity Diagnosis
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most commonly used method for determining a patient’s weight category and body size. It is used to measure whether you are in a healthy weight range for your height.
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.
An adult with a BMI of 30 or more is considered Obese.
BMI is usually a good indicator of body fat for most people, however, BMI does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. Therefore, those with a lot of muscle bulk will have a high BMI, but are not necessarily overweight or obese.
It’s important to note that an individual’s personal BMI measurement should be left to a reputable doctor to determine whether their BMI or excess weight is a health risk. An individual’s BMI, should not be used alone to determine Obesity.
Further assessments for diagnosis of Obesity include:
- BMI
- Blood Tests
- Physical Examination
- Review of Family History
- Waist Measurement
- Skinfold Thickness Measurements
- Evaluation of Diet & Physical Activity
Guidelines for Weight loss Surgery
To qualify for Weight Loss Surgery, as a Bariatric patient with Dr Hatzifotis at Greenslopes Private Hospital, you will need:
- BMI >35 - Regardless of the presence, absence, or severity of comorbidities
- BMI 30 - 34.9 - Who do not achieve substantial or durable weight loss or comorbidity improvement using non-surgical methods.
- BMI >30 - With Type 2 Diabetes
- Other BMI - Occasionally BMI outside of this range if you have had previous Bariatric surgery
- Age
- Aged over 18, however in special circumstances may be aged 15 years or over 70 years
Classifying Obesity
Check your BMI range
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Normal Size | 18.9 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 to 29.9 |
| Class I, Obesity | 30 to 34.9 |
| Class II, Serious Obesity | 35 to 39.9 |
| Class III, Severe Obesity | 40 and greater |
| Class IV, Super Obesity | 50 and greater |
