Here at Streamline Surgical we believe that every patient is unique, therefore, we have no hard and fast criteria that we use when assessing patients for weight loss surgery. It is important that we carry out a detailed assessment, which would take into account a number of factors including your medical history, weight and height.
You might be wondering why weight is not the only factor bariatric (weight loss) surgeons look at when assessing a patient’s suitability for a weight loss procedure. This is because there is no set weight; for example, a taller individual will be able to carry more weight comfortably, compared to a shorter individual.
This is where the formula known as Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to calculate if your weight is healthy. It is the primary indicator used by bariatric surgeons to assess a patient’s suitability for procedures and to monitor post-procedure weight loss.
To work out your BMI you need to know your height in metres and your weight in kilograms; then divide your weight by your height squared. Or you can enter your details into our handy BMI calculator below:
Calculate your BMI | |
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What does your BMI result mean?
For most adults, an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. Below is the breakdown of the defined thresholds of weight:
BMI | Category | Risk of associated co-morbidities* |
18.5 or less | Underweight | N/A |
18.5 – 24.9 | Normal | Low |
25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Increased Risk |
30.0 – 34.9 | Obese | High Risk |
35.0 – 39.9 | Obese | Very High Risk |
40.0 or greater | Morbidly Obese | Extremely High Risk |
BMI & Weight loss surgery
The NHS follows the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Guidelines, which states that people wishing to seek treatment for obesity must fit one of the following criteria:
- A BMI +35 with other weight related illness such as sleep apnoea, heart conditions or Type 2 Diabetes; or
- A BMI + 40 if they do not have additional health related illnesses.
As private specialists in this field we understand there are some exceptions to the above rules. If you have been unsuccessful in losing weight and, have an obese BMI, we may be able to help you.
