Why are BMIs useful ?

Calculate Your BMI

When it comes to your weight and how it affects on your overall health, it's important to realize that each body is different. There are people who are overweight, some are underweight, and some are deemed " normal." Finding your own personal "normal" is as easy as the calculation of the body mass index, also known as BMI.

BMI is a number used by health professionals to gauge a person's excess body fat. In order to calculate your BMI take advantage of our useful calculator below. You'll not only be able to determine whether your weight is within a healthy zone, but you'll also be able to determine your ideal BMI range as well.

If the results show you fall into the category of "Overweight" or beyond you could be a candidate for weight loss surgery.

Beginning the process is usually the most difficult thing however, we make it easy. Register for one of our free weight loss surgery informational seminars. In this informative, hour-long event, you'll get greeted by members of our highly professional bariatric surgical team who will introduce you to our programs and answer any questions you may have and help ease your worries about surgery.

Get Started

• Attend a free weight loss surgery seminar You can register here.
• To schedule an appointment or a consultation for an appointment or consultation, make an appointment online or call 856.673.4500.
• If you're a doctor who would like to refer your patient to Cooper to help, please call 856.673.4500.

Understanding your BMI resultUnderweightBeing underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or you may be ill. If you're struggling with weight, a GP can help.Find out more about underweight adultsHealthy weightKeep going with the good work! For tips on maintaining a healthy weight, check out the food and diet and fitness sections.OverweightThe best way to lose weight if you're overweight is through a combination of diet and exercise.The BMI calculator will give you a personal calorie allowance to help you achieve a healthy weight safely.ObeseThe best way to lose weight if you're obese is through a combination of diet and exercise, and, in some cases, medicines. See a GP for help and advice.Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groupsBlack, Asian and other minority ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing some long-term (chronic) conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.These adults with a BMI of:23 or more are at increased risk27.5 or more are at high riskWhy waist size also mattersMeasuring your waist is a good way to check you're not carrying too much fat around your stomach, which can raise your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.You can have a healthy BMI and still have excess tummy fat, meaning you're still at risk of developing these conditions.To measure your waist:Find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips.Wrap a tape measure around your waist midway between these points.Breathe out naturally before taking the measurement.Regardless of your height or BMI, you should try to lose weight if your waist is:94cm (37ins) or more for men80cm (31.5ins) or more for womenYou're at very high risk and should contact a GP if your waist is:102cm (40ins) or more for men88cm (34ins) or more for womenChildren's BMIFor children and young people aged 2 to 18, the BMI calculator takes into account age and gender as well as height and weight.Overweight children are thought to be at increased risk of a variety of health conditions, and they're also more likely to be overweight as adults.The BMI calculator works out if a child or young person is:underweight - on the 2nd centile or belowhealthy weight - between the 2nd and 91st centilesoverweight - 91st centile or abovevery overweight - 98th centile or aboveA child's BMI is expressed as a "centile" to show how their BMI compares with children who took part in national surveys.For example, a girl on the 75th centile is heavier than 75 out of 100 other girls her age.Measuring waist size is not routinely recommended for children because it does not take their height into account.See a GP if you're concerned about your child's weight. They may recommend you to your local healthy lifestyle program for children, young people and families.Find the information on underweight children aged 6-12 as well as very overweight children.Get advice on how to help your child become more active and eat wellLimitations of the BMI BMI will let you know that you're carrying a lot of weight, but it can't identify if you're carrying too many fat.The BMI cannot tell the distinction between fat, muscle in excess or bone.The adult BMI does not take into account age, gender or muscle mass.This means:very muscular adults and athletes may be classed "overweight" or "obese" even though they have a low body fat level. Adults who lose muscle mass as they age may be considered to be in those who fall into the "healthy weight" range even while carrying excess fat. Pregnancy also can influence the woman's BMI result. Your BMI increases in the event of weight gain. It is recommended to use your pre-pregnancy weight when making your BMI.Apart from these limitations, it is true that BMI is a fairly simple and easy method of assessing someone's weight.Eating disorders If you suffer from an eating disorder and you have an eating disorder, the BMI calculator results don't apply. You should seek advice from your GP.Next steps You can utilize your BMI result as a starting point for further discussion with a GP regarding your weight and overall health.Find out what your GP can assist you in losing weight and check out the Change4Life website for practical tips on how to remain healthy as family. family.A BMI above the healthy level or excessive fat around your waist can increase the risk of developing serious health problems like: