The Body Mass Index

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the recognized standard for assessing levels of obesity. It is a general formula that determines the composition of the relative amounts of fat your body is made up of, compared to muscle and bone. You are considered morbidly obese when your body mass index is 40 or greater. According to the NIH, a body mass index of 40 or more places you at an extremely high risk for weight-related illnesses and premature death. Indeed, you may already be suffering from a weight-related condition.

Check Your BMI

Body Mass Index Calculator

Weight: lbs.

Height: ft. in.

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Body Mass Index

According to the Panel on Energy, Obesity, and Body Weight Standards published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, your category is:

Normal BMI 18.5 to 24.9

Overweight 25 to 29.9

Obesity 30 to 39.9

Extreme Obesity Greater than 40

Before you can be considered a candidate for surgical treatment of obesity, you would have to meet the following basic criteria:

Your BMI must be 40 or greater; or,

If one or more co-morbid illnesses are present, your BMI can be reduced to 35.

Weight loss surgery should only be contemplated when your health risks are extremely high.