Hi,

Can someone please explain about BMI? I see it means Body Mass Index but what does that mean exactly?

I have also seen references on this list that there are some levels of BMI that are too low to have a band. And that there are some levels of BMI that are so hight it is imperative to get the band?

How is it measured? Can it be measure on your own or is it a blood test?

Thank you all in advance!

Love,

Diva

Hi Diva,

BMI stands for Body Mass Index and there are sites here were you can calculate it. Here is a link that will first bring you to "your ideal body weight" and on that page you can click on BMI Calculator. You give in your height and weight and it will calculate it for you.

If you are over an BMI of 40 Lap Band could be done without co- morbesities. Hope this helps.

http://ww2.khou.com/global/Category.asp?c=40564

You can also calculate your BMI with this forumula:

Weight pounds

----------------------------- x 703

height (inches) x height (inches)

Here's an excel forumula:

=((pounds(inches*inches))*703)

Here's my stats in the formulas:

270.5

---------- x 703 = 32.9

76 x 76

=((270.5/(76*76))*703)

Now something to bear in mind.

BMI is based on 'averages' for a 'normal' human being. Muscle mass skews the calculations. Here's an example.

I have a friend, he is 5 feet 4 inches tall. He weighs 240 pounds.

So that is:

((240/(64*64))*703 = 41.2

Therefor my friend is morbidly obese and qualifies for weight loss surgery.

Now here comes the catch.

My friend has a bodyfat of 6%. He is entirely lean muscle (and terrifying) but this clearly shows that the BMI calculation is flawed.

So, another good thing to do is calculate your body fat. This compared to your BMI gives a 'more' realistic reflection on BMI.

Oh this friend of mine is real. He really is a terrifying creature to look at!