What is body mass index (BMI)?
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. The number provides an estimate for whether or not you are in a healthy weight range. A healthy BMI ranges 18.5-24.9. You are considered overweight if your BMI is 25-29.9 and obese if your BMI is 30 or higher. If your BMI is 40 or higher, your weight is morbidly obese.
The BMI calculation is far from perfect as it doesn’t take body composition into account, but it does provide guidelines to identify potential health risks. Your waist measurement is another valuable tool to help your physician determine whether or not your weight puts your health at risk.
Why is it important to have a healthy BMI?
Your weight can have a significant effect on your health and wellbeing. For example, being overweight or obese can increase your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Arthritis
- Gallstones
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Fertility problems
- Cancer
Carrying extra weight puts unnecessary stress on your body. It taxes your joints and makes your heart and cardiovascular system work harder. Your body has to work harder to perform essential functions, which can compromise your immune system and lead to a variety of health issues.
What surgeries are available to help me reach an ideal BMI?
If you have a BMI of 30 or higher and have obesity-related health problems, you might be a candidate for bariatric surgery. The team at the Surgical Consultants of Northern Virginia provides bariatric surgeries to help patients lose weight and improve their health.
The team uses state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical techniques and the innovative da Vinci® robotic surgery system. Depending on your specific needs, the team might recommend gastric banding, gastric sleeve, or gastric bypass surgery.
Bariatric surgeries reduce the space available in your stomach, which limits the amount of food you can consume. You also receive counseling and support to adjust your diet and lifestyle so that they accommodate your smaller stomach. As a result, you’ll consume fewer calories and lose a significant amount of weight, lowering your BMI into the healthy range.
If you have a BMI of 30 or higher and have been unable to lose weight on your own, call the Surgical Consultants of Northern Virginia or make an appointment online today.
