A measurement used to assess obesity health risks is the Body Mass Index (BMI). This is calculated by dividing body weight by height squared. Although health risks increase at a BMI of 27, significant health problems and an increased risk of death are greater as a person’s BMI increases. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30; severe obesity is associated with a BMI of 35, and morbid obesity with a BMI of 40 or higher..

How Do You Measure Up?

30% of the population are eligible for a gastric balloon. You are eligible if your BMI is over 30, you are at least 18 years of age and you are ready to comply with a serious, medically supervised programme. In addition there are certain medical reasons that may make you ineligible for the gastric balloon programme.
Check with The National Gastric Balloon Centre on 0161 976 3759.

Your BMI (Body Mass Index)

Check this chart to find out if you are a suitable candidate for the gastric balloon.

BMI Calculator

Input your height, weight and waist size, and our calculator will generate an easy-to-read report on your general health status, based on the BMI (Body Mass Index) formula.

The results of your calculation will display here.

Weighing The Consequences

Diet programmes of all kinds are on the increase. Although many of these programmes have made large dents in our wallets, they have not provided successful weight loss and long-term results. We continue to see the problem spiralling out of control. Practical, science based solutions are needed. Such solutions must combine the best of today’s medical technology with proven principles for healthy lifestyle change.

We are faced with a seemingly infinite array of weight loss choices. Ultra-low calorie diets, hypnosis, extreme fitness programmes and pills all compete for our attention. For those with severe obesity, even surgical procedures are now available to combat the problem.

The disadvantages associated with these choices are many. They may depend on special foods or liquids only and there is usually no programme to address nutrition, exercise and motivation. With no mechanism to reduce hunger it is difficult to maintain long-term success.

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