Your BMI, or body mass index, plays a key role in determining whether you could be a candidate for weight loss surgery.1 Your BMI measures the ratio of your weight to your height. It is an indicator, not a direct measurement, of your total body fat.

Your BMI is not the only thing that affects eligibility, however. To potentially qualify for weight loss surgery, you generally must meet the following criteria:1

  • Your BMI must EITHER be 40 or higher OR at least 35 AND you have one or more major obesity-related medical condition.2 (This could, for example, be diabetes or sleep apnoea.) If your BMI is over 30 and you have uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, your doctor may also consider you a candidate.1 
  • You must have failed other medically managed weight loss programmes.1
  • You must show that you are commited to changing your lifestyle, that you understand the risks of surgery, and that you agree to follow-up care.1

Your healthcare professional will determine your eligibility after a thorough medical evaluation.1

Understand how obesity impacts your life (open in new window)
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