Are you a candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Check Your BMI Eligibility
Use our body mass index calculator (BMI Calculator) to determine how healthy your current weight is relative to your height. Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher may are eligible for weight loss surgery. Patients with a BMI between 30 and 34 may also be considered, depending on their overall health and medical history.
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BMI Results Explained
What Does My BMI Result Mean?
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Class I Obesity |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Class II Obesity |
| 40.0 – 49.9 | Class III Obesity |
| 50.0 – 59.9 | Class IV Obesity |
| 60.0 and above | Class V Obesity |
What is BMI?
First developed in 1972, BMI is a factor used to determine an individual’s risk of disease. BodyFree‘s BMI calculator follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines specifically adapted for Australian demographics.
While it alone doesn’t accurately measure risk, it’s used along with other metrics for a clearer picture. The higher the figure, the higher the estimated amount of body fat in the person’s body. High body fat is linked to problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Would you like to calculate your BMI?
Simply enter your height and weight into the BodyFree BMI Calculator.
This Australian BMI calculator will use this information to give you an accurate result. This trusted body mass index calculator will divide your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in centimetres) squared.
How Do I Read BMI Calculator Results?
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 means you are in a healthy weight range for your height. Levels of obesity are considered from a BMI of 30 and above, divided into further classes based on the risk of developing obesity-related health problems:
- Class I: Low-risk obesity (most common in Australia)
- Class II: Moderate-risk obesity
- Class III: High-risk or severe obesity
Our BMI calculator helps Australians understand their health using established medical standards. It is important to remember that BMI on its own doesn’t paint a full picture of one’s health or risk of disease. It provides a guide that allows you and your doctor to assess your level of obesity and together with your medical history determine your risk factors for obesity-related co-morbidities.
What Affects BMI?
Weight influences BMI because it fluctuates more than height. As such, the same factors that lead to overweight and obesity can also impact one’s BMI.
Unhealthy Diet
Eating a diet high in fat and processed sugar can quickly lead to weight gain. These foods also have very little nutritional value.Not Physically Active
A lack of physical activity and exercise will lead to less fat burning in the body and an increase in fat stores. Excess fat in the body can lead to numerous health problems including heart disease.
Genetic Factors
A person’s genes can affect the way their body digests food, processes nutrients, and stores calories. In fact, more studies are showing that obesity may be genetic.Medication Side Effects
Certain medications may cause weight gain. These medications may be used to treat mental health conditions, diabetes or other conditions.Not Enough Sleep
Many Australians don’t get adequate sleep, causing an imbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite. This increases the likelihood of snacking resulting in increased calories consumed.Lifestyle Factors
A busy high-stress lifestyle often results in poor food choices that contribute to weight gain. A diet low in healthy nutrients is often the result, leading to increased consumption of convenient store-bought or fast food options over healthier home-cooked meals.31.7%
Proportion of Australian adults classified as obese in 2022
65 – 74 y/o
Age range with the highest proportion of adults who are overweight or obese
15.3%
Increase in the number of adults classified as obese in 2022 from 2011-12
Likelihood of being overweight or obese
(% of Australian adults)
Live in remote area
70.8%
Born in Australia
69.8%
Living alone
69.8%
Has a disability
72.4%
Served in the ADF
85.1%
How Do I Maintain or Achieve A Healthy BMI?
Common Questions about bmi
BMI FAQS
What BMI Do You Need For Bariatric Surgery?
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether their BMI qualifies them for weight loss surgery such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
Under the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines, bariatric surgery may be considered for people with:
• BMI greater than 50 (super obesity)
• BMI greater than 40 (severe obesity)
• BMI greater than 35 with obesity-related medical conditions that may improve with weight loss
• BMI greater than 30 with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and significant cardiovascular risk or obesity related co-morbidities.
These conditions may include:
• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep apnoea
• High blood pressure
• Joint disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
At BodyFree, your bariatric surgeon, Dr David Joseph, will assess BMI alongside your overall health, medical history and weight loss goals to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
While BMI is an important guide, it is not the only factor considered when determining eligibility for weight loss surgery.
For some people struggling with excess weight, lifestyle and dietary changes alone may not lead to sustainable long-term weight loss. Bariatric surgery can be a very effective tool to help patients achieve meaningful weight loss and improve their overall health.
Our experienced bariatric team provides the support and guidance needed for long-term success. Speak with BodyFree’s health professionals to learn whether weight loss surgery may be appropriate for you.
Patients who meet the BMI criteria may wish to learn more about Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Gastric Bypass Surgery, or other weight loss surgery procedures.
Why are further checks outside of BMI required?
Why are the elderly more prone to obesity?
Does BMI determine the best kind of surgery?
How to I work out what my BMI is?
Is bariatric surgery viable for a BMI under 30?
It’s extremely rare. Surgery is typically recommended only when BMI is over 30. There may be serious health risks for patients with a BMI under that threshold.
