Newly updated BMI guidelines for weight-loss surgery may open up opportunities for candidates previously excluded
Many people have considered weight-loss surgery but weren’t sure if they qualified. Many others were told that their body mass index (BMI) wasn’t high enough. Until recently, the standard was a BMI of 35 or higher. But now there are updated guidelines for weight-loss surgery that may expand eligibility for this life-changing procedure.
Bariatric Surgery: BMI Guidelines Updated
Bariatric surgery involves operations that help people with obesity lose weight. It reduces the size of a part of the stomach (often by creating a small pouch). It, therefore, limits the amount of food one can eat while making them feel fuller sooner.
There are several types of bariatric surgeries available depending on the patient’s individual needs and lifestyle. These include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, and more.
Who Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery Under the New Guidelines?
BMI is a helpful guideline to assist doctors and patients in finding a healthy weight range. It’s not comprehensive but it does provide a snapshot of health. Measures of body fat take into account other factors, too. These include age and gender, height and weight, muscle mass, short- and long-term health problems, and more.
Since 1991, healthcare providers have recommended metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for people with a high BMI. Generally, that means a BMI greater than or equal to 35, regardless of comorbidity status. This was based on a consensus statement developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It established the guidelines that both providers and insurers have followed ever since.
However, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) now recommends lowering the threshold. They’ve concluded that MBS “should be considered for individuals with metabolic disease and BMI of 30-34.9.”
These updated BMI guidelines represent a significant change. The new guidelines, however, confirm the overall safety and effectiveness of BMS for patients suffering from obesity.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
You may qualify for one of our safe and effective weight loss surgeries at WeightWise. We work closely with each patient to determine which type of surgery is best suited to their individual needs and lifestyle. We assess health risks and make a judgment with the needs of the patient at the forefront of our minds.
Weight loss surgery can offer many benefits beyond just shedding pounds. It can also reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions, including:
- type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- stroke
- certain types of cancer
- sleep apnea
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- infertility problems
- gallbladder disease
- fatty liver disease
In addition to improved overall health outcomes, patients may also experience an increase in self-confidence due to improved body image. And patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery often report feeling happier overall due to improved physical health.
WeightWise and Updated BMI Guidelines
We’re excited about these changes in adult BMI/weight-loss surgery guidelines. It means more people than ever before will be able to get the help they need.
Newly eligible candidates may consider this to be an ideal time to once again consider undergoing this potentially life-changing procedure.
Our process is proven. It has been developed and perfected over many years. We have three objectives: a successful procedure performed safely; significant long-term weight loss maintenance; and better health conditions overall.
WeightWise stands out from the crowd due to its comprehensive approach to weight loss. WeightWise is a clinic that is dedicated solely to weight loss and our program has long-term patient care to ensure our patients have optimal success post-op. Surgery is only a part of our program. We don’t rely on one-size-fits-all solutions or exaggerated advertising tactics that can never be fulfilled.
Let’s reset the BMI calculator. Let’s see how many more people we can help who struggle with being overweight or with obesity-related health problems.