Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of a person’s weight relative to their height. This measurement is often used by health professionals to classify a patients’ weight. (refer table below)

It is often used by Bariatric (obesity) surgeons to help determine if an obesity surgical procedure is justified and to assist in determining the right surgical option.

Please note:

• BMI does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. Therefore, body builders and people who have a lot of muscle bulk will have a high BMI but are not overweight or obese.
• Fat predominantly distributed around the waist is also a risk factor for health complications such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Fat predominantly deposited around the hips and buttocks doesn’t have the same risk.

BMI Classifications: