What is the required Body Mass Index for Gastric Reduction Surgery?

What is the required Body Mass Index for Gastric Reduction Surgery?

Obesity, a disease that poses a significant problem for individuals today, is becoming increasingly widespread. This disease not only causes weight problems but can also trigger conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as leading to social and physical limitations.

Certain conditions must be met to undergo gastric reduction surgery. In this article, we examine the question: What should the body mass index be for gastric reduction surgery?.

Body Mass Index Calculation and Obesity Limit

Obesity is diagnosed by dividing a patient's weight by the square of their height (kg/m²). The abbreviation for Body Mass Index (BMI) is "BMI". Obesity is classified according to data provided by the World Health Organization. Obesity is categorized into first and second degree levels based on these ratios. Accordingly, a BMI of 30-34.9 is considered first-degree obesity, 35-39.9 second-degree obesity, and 40 and above third-degree obesity.

Can every overweight individual undergo surgery?

Certain criteria must be met to be eligible for gastric reduction surgery. First, the patient must have tried weight loss methods such as diet and exercise programs. They must have been unsuccessful with these methods and have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. Additionally, they must have an underlying medical condition related to obesity, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. However, these are not the only contraindications for obesity surgery. The patient must not pose a threat in terms of anesthesia. Furthermore, they must not have an untreated psychological disorder or substance or alcohol addiction.

Patients who meet these criteria can undergo surgery. However, they need to undergo various check-ups within a specific age range. Individuals aged 18-65 can have surgery if they meet the conditions mentioned above. Parental consent is required for those under 18. For those whose mother or father is deceased, official parental consent is required. Individuals aged 65 and over can also have surgery, but patient consent must be obtained considering age-related factors and necessary considerations such as liver function and anesthesia.