June 1, 2017 | Category: Bariatric Surgery, Blog, Obesity

What is obesity? Any weight that is higher than what is considered a healthy weight for a given patient’s height is described as ‘overweight’ or ‘obese.’ To measure this, an Adult Body Mass Index, or BMI calculator, is used as a tool to determine if you are obese, have room for improvement, or should gain more weight.

A person’s BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters. By checking this BMI Chart, you will be able to find your height (converted to kilograms) vs. your body weight, giving your BMI number.

You are considered overweight if your BMI is:

  • BMI of 30 to <35
  • BMI of 35 to <40
  • BMI of 40 or higher. (
    This is often considered extreme, or severe)

How Obesity Affects Your Life


To quickly note,this is just an estimate. The BMI calculator should be used as a screening tool, not an exact measure of the health for the individual. The dictionary definition of obesity is, “to have an increased body weight that is caused by an excessive accumulation of fat.” Only a trained bariatric professional can determine if you need to lose weight or if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.

But, if you are unhappy with your weight, your lifestyle, and have begun to suffer diseases that are linked to your weight, then bariatric surgery may be the answer for you.

Obesity affects everyone differently, but the most common factors that are linked to obesity are depression, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, degenerative arthritis, and urinary incontinence.

Obesity can be caused by a pre-existing medical condition and various other factors, but the team at Western Bariatric Institute is experienced and highly established as a leader in the field of bariatric surgery and weight loss. If you are looking for help in losing weight and want to learn more about healthy eating, weight loss, dieting and bariatric surgery options, contact Western Bariatric Institute today.