Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is simply a measure of whether your weight is appropriate for your height. The taller someone is, the more they can weigh and still be healthy. Because body types differ, there is a range of weight that is considered healthy for a given height-

Example: if you are 165cm tall, then any weight between 54kg - 68kg would be in the healthy range.

If your BMI is over 25, then you are overweight. This means that your health is being placed at risk, and you should try to lose weight through diet, exercise and lifestyle improvement.

If your BMI is over 30, then you are obese, and your health is being placed at significant risk. For example, if you are 165cm tall and weigh more than 81kg. Bariatric surgery may be an appropriate treatment for you to lose weight, in combination with regular follow up and lifestyle improvement. Bariatric surgery works by lowering your body’s weight set-point.

BMI Calculator

BMI Result

BMI
What your BMI result indicates

Less than 19
UNDERWEIGHT: You are under optimum weight for your height. You could afford to gain a little weight.

20 - 25
ACCEPTABLE: You have a healthy weight for your height.

26 - 30
OVERWEIGHT: You are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health problems, so losing some weight would be a good idea.

31 +
OBESE: You are significantly over the optimum weight for your height. Your health, quality of life, and longevity may be at risk. Our weight loss procedures may be suitable for you. See your GP for a referral and phone us to arrange an appointment to discuss your options.

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 this same risk.