BMI Calculator

What is BMI?

The BMI (which stands for “Body Mass Index”) is a measurement that takes into account your height and weight. It correlates them to body fat estimation in men and women between the ages of 18-65 years old. It is a very helpful tool to assess whether you have a healthy weight. By accounting for both physical characteristics and overall health status, BMI allows for comparison against established norms

BMI does not take into account muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial/ethnic variations in the calculation of BMI scores. The only exception is if you are an athlete or body builder. In this case you may have a higher weight, but you are obviously in good physical condition.

The calculation of BMI utilizes height and weight measurements to determine whether individuals are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. The categories are defined according to the World Health Organization’s criteria:

• Underweight (<18.5),
• Normal Weight (18.5-24.9),
• Overweight (25-29.9) 
• Obese (30+).

This categorization provides guidance regarding ideal BMI ranges according to factors such as age and sex which may affect healthy body composition values.

BMI Categories

• Underweight (< 18.5) – A BMI below 18.5 indicates that a person may be underweight, which can have negative health consequences.
• Normal Weight (18.5 – 24.9) – A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal and generally indicates a healthy weight for most people. This is also the goal weight and makes the patient the ideal candidate for plastic surgery.
• Overweight (25.0 – 29.9) – A BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 is considered overweight and may indicate an increased risk for certain health problems.
• Obese Class I (30.0 – 34.9) – A BMI in the range of 30.0 to 34.9 indicates obesity class I, which can increase the risk of developing health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Obese Class II (35.0 – 39.9) – A BMI between 35.0 and 39.9 indicates obesity class II, which can further increase the risk of developing serious health problems.
• Obese Class III (> 40.0) – A BMI above 40.0 indicates obesity class III, also known as morbid obesity. A significantly increased risk of developing severe health problems and life-threatening conditions are associated with this level of obesity.

BMI Considerations When Preparing for Surgery

The healthy range for adults falls between 18-25 but can vary depending on the type of surgery being performed. Anything below 18 puts patients at higher risk for complications due to malnutrition while anything over 25 may cause more fat deposits around the operative site making it difficult to achieve desired results post-operatively.

When the BMI is above 30, it greatly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. To help you achieve a safe BMI, there needs to be a focus on a significant weight loss plan by making significant lifestyle changes. Including a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Doctors may recommend gastric bypass surgery (Bariatric surgery) in some cases.

Ultimately, individuals who have accurate information about their own BMI can make informed decisions when considering plastic surgery procedures and can ensure that they are adequately prepared for the best possible outcome. If you want to learn more about the Ideal BMI for Plastic Surgery, head over to our blog where we discuss everything you need to know about this topic.