Body Mass Index (BMI) Information
Surgeons have recently been asked to participate in earlier detection and suggestions for treatment for several common problems. As most of you are aware, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of people in our population that are overweight. There is a calculation that is frequently used in order to measure how your weight and height might predict problems with your weight. Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of body fat based on a ratio of height to weight. BMI can be calculated by dividing weight (in pounds) by height (in inches) squared and multiplying that outcome by 703.
BMI is often used by orthopaedic providers as a component in determining if and when you are eligible for certain procedures, including knee and hip replacements.
Patients with a BMI above 40 have a significant risk for complications following surgery, especially compared to patients exhibiting a normal BMI. Knowing your BMI is the first step in minimizing risks before a procedure and also improving your overall health.
BMI ranges are categorized below:
18<: Underweight
18 – 24: Normal
25 – 29: Overweight
30 – 39: Obese
≥40: Morbidly Obese
Follow the link below for more resources on obesity, weight loss, and joint replacement surgery.