Am I Over-Weight?

Your bathroom scale may give you a measure of your weight and help you follow changes in your weight, but it is not the best way to determine if you are overweight or obese, or at risk of developing obesity and its related health conditions. A measurement used to assess health risks of obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI).

BMI Levels

BMI less than 20: A score below 20 indicates that you may be underweight.

BMI of 20-25: “ideal weight” People who fall naturally into this range tend to have the best lifelong health. Note that a BMI < 25 is usually NOT a proper goal for a patient following Weight Loss Surgery (WLS).

BMI > 30: The excess weight creates a definite increase in medical problems.

BMI = 35-40: Weight Loss Surgery is likely to improve health, if the person is experiencing a medical problem that is related to the excess weight.

BMI > 40: The risk/benefit ratio favors surgical therapy in most people who suffer from this level of obesity.

BMI > 60: The excess weight puts so much load on the body that there is a significant increase in the risk of surgery. At the same time the risk of surgery is higher, the risk of the medical problems caused by obesity is much higher, so the risk/benefit ratio of surgery usually still weighs in favour of surgery.

Check your BMI by using our BMI Calculator.

MONASH University (Centre for Obesity Research and Education) Selection Criteria.