If you are very obese and haven't been able to have lasting weight loss through dieting, medication and lifestyle changes, a weight-loss procedure may be for you. You must also meet these requirements:
- Feel ready to undergo a change in lifestyle and eating habits
- Be twice your ideal body weight or more, or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35
- Have the approval of your primary care provider
If you're considering having a weight-loss procedure at UVA, you'll also need to complete this seminar.
Do I meet weight-loss surgery requirements?
Your eligibility for weight-loss surgery depends on your level of obesity. Obesity can be measured using your BMI.
BMI is a tool that measures how much body fat you have by comparing your height to your weight. BMI results fall into these ranges:
- 18.5 or less = underweight
- 18.5-24.9 = healthy weight
- 25-29.9 = overweight
- 30-34.9 = Class I obesity
- 35-39.9 = Class II obesity
You qualify for weight-loss surgery at UVA if you:
- Have a BMI of 35 and over, plus at least one obesity-related condition
- Have a BMI of 40 and over
- 40 and over = Class III obesity
You can calculate your BMI using this tool from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Your insurance may not cover weight-loss procedures. Be sure to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.