Am I A Candidate?

Who Is Suitable for Weight Loss?

In general, weight loss may be suitable for individuals who are overweight or obese or those who have certain health conditions that can be improved with weight loss, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. However, it's important to approach weight loss healthily and sustainably and consult a doctor before beginning any weight loss program.

Calculate Your Body Mass Index - BMI Calculator

While BMI provides a general indication of weight status, it does not consider factors such as sex, age, ethnicity, muscle mass, body composition, or fat distribution. It is only an approximation of adiposity (how much excess fat you’re carrying). Therefore, BMI should be used as a starting point and not as the sole determinant of an individual's health or weight status. Consulting with an obesity specialist can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and personalised guidance.

How is Obesity Measured?

Obesity is measured by measuring a person's Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in metres. The resulting value is then interpreted using BMI categories:

Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher, further classified into:
Class I obesity: BMI between 30 and 34.9
Class II obesity: BMI between 35 and 39.9
Class III obesity (severe obesity): BMI of 40 or higher

Other Points to Consider

Other factors required to qualify for weight loss surgery include the following:

Failed attempts at nonsurgical weight loss: Candidates for weight loss surgery usually have a history of unsuccessful attempts at nonsurgical weight loss methods, such as dieting, exercise, and behavioural modifications.
Age: There is no upper age limit for bariatric surgery.
BMI: There is also no upper limit for BMI.
Medical history: Preoperative evaluations will assess a candidate’s overall health, anaesthetic risk and determine their eligibility for surgery.
Commitment to lifestyle changes: Weight loss surgery is not a standalone solution but a tool to assist with weight loss. Candidates must commit to long-term lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, attending follow-up appointments, psychological evaluation and support groups.
Smoking: Smoking both before and after surgery is not recommended. Smoking cessation is encouraged preoperatively, and current smokers may be ineligible for some procedures.