BMI and Bariatric Surgery
There is of course a major issue with obesity going on in the United States with both adults and children. It’s for this reason that more and more people are trying to lead healthier lifestyles, why governments are trying to figure out how best to deal with the health care costs related to obesity, and why more and more people are turning to surgical weight loss options to improve their overall health. We see many patients from the United States visit our Santo Domingo bariatric surgery center to undergo surgical weight loss treatment.
Dealing with Obesity and Morbid Obesity
People who are obese or morbidly obese have a much greater chance of suffering from serious health problems as a result of their excess body fat and weight. Some of the most common health problems associated with obesity and morbid obesity include:
- Diabetes
- Heart
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Certain kinds of cancer
- Respiratory problems
- Gout
Because of these health issues, it’s important that people consider undergoing surgical weight loss if they are obese or morbidly obese.
What is the body mass index (BMI)?
One way to determine if you are obese or morbidly obese is to measure your body mass index. Our bariatric surgery clinic in Santo Domingo actually offers a free body mass index calculator on the homepage of our website.
The body mass index was created back in the mid-1800s by a Belgian mathematician, statistician, sociologist, and astronomer named Adolphe Quetelet. While it does not measure the exact percentage of a person’s body fat, it does provide a generally sound estimate for the amount of fat in a person’s body given that person’s height and weight.
How does the body mass index work and what does it mean?
The body mass index essentially divides a person’s height by the square of the person’s weight. This will provide a number which can be noted a range scale. Depending on where a person falls on that scale will determine if that person is underweight, in a normal weight range, or overweight.
The weight ranges on the BMI scale are as follows:
- Severely underweight
- Underweight
- Normal weight range
- Overweight
- Obese Class I
- Obese Class II
- Obese Class III
Body Mass Index and Bariatric Surgery
Those who classify as obese are likely good candidates for Santo Domingo metabolic bariatric surgery and other weight loss surgery options. It’s important that patients visit with their physician in order to learn more about their non-surgical options for weight loss, though there are compelling reasons to undergo weight loss surgery if you need to rapidly and safely lose weight.
BMI and Bariatric Surgery - What Else to Consider
In addition to BMI, there are many other ways to measure weight and body fat. You can simply weigh yourself on a scale or observe yourself in the mirror. Both of these may provide decent indications on how overweight you may be. Visiting your doctor will be helpful as well, as your doctor will be able to measure your body fat and also do blood work to check your overall health. If you are deemed obese or morbidly obese, you can then discuss your bariatric surgery options.
Learn More About Your Options for Weight Loss Surgery
For more information about bariatric surgery and what it can do for you, be sure to contact our Santo Domingo weight loss surgery center today.