If you're considering knee or hip replacement surgery, knowing your Body Mass Index (BMI) can be an important step in your orthopedic health. Let's break it down in a friendly and straightforward way.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a number that helps us understand how your weight compares to your height. It’s a useful tool, but remember, it doesn’t tell the whole story about your health. While BMI can help identify weight categories and potential health issues related to weight, it is not a diagnostic tool for measuring body fat or overall health, as it doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle. To assess whether a high BMI poses a health risk, your healthcare provider will need to conduct additional evaluations.
Calculate Your BMI Using This Online Calculator
Enter your height and weight into our BMI Calculator and see where you fall on the BMI scale.
BMI Calculator
For adults aged 20 and older, BMI is categorized using standard weight status classifications that apply equally to men and women, regardless of body type. Here’s how BMI is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9: Normal weight
- 25 to 29.9: Overweight
- 30 to 34.9: Class I obesity
- 35 to 39.9: Class II obesity
- 40 and above: Class III obesity
Why is BMI Important for Surgery?
If your BMI is higher than 40, your orthopedic surgeon might suggest losing weight before your surgery. This isn’t just about appearance; it’s about your health and safety. Studies show that patients with high BMIs can face more complications during and after surgery, such as infections, blood clots, and longer recovery times.
How Does Weight Affect Joint Health?
Extra weight puts pressure on your joints, especially your knees and hips. When you walk, stand, or climb stairs, the force on your joints can be more than seven times your body weight. This added pressure can lead to:
- Joint Pain: Carrying extra weight can cause inflammation in the tendons around your joints, making them sore and stiff.
- Surgical Complications: Higher BMIs can lead to serious issues during surgery, like infections or heart problems.
- Delaying Surgery: Sometimes losing weight can help delay the need for surgery. For example, if you're obese and lose 20% of your weight, you might experience less pain and slower arthritis progression.
How Can Weight Loss Help?
Losing weight can be a game-changer! Here’s how it can improve your situation:
- Reduced Joint Pain: Less weight means less strain on your joints, which can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Better Mobility: Losing weight makes it easier to move around, enhancing your daily activities.
- Shorter Hospital Stays: If your BMI is lower, you’re more likely to go home sooner after surgery and require less monitoring.
What Can You Do?
Consider Weight Loss Programs
Your doctor may recommend weight loss or dietary changes. Our partners at Iowa Weight Loss Specialists can help you take the first steps toward achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Stay Active
Low-impact exercises, like swimming or walking, can help you shed pounds without putting too much stress on your joints.
Let Us Help You Feel Better
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. At Orthopedic Specialists, we care about your health and want to help you succeed. Weight management can improve your chances of a smooth surgery and enhance your overall quality of life. Thanks to our collaboration with Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, our center offers access to some of the most advanced and specialized weight loss treatments in Iowa.
Orthopedic Specialists is Iowa's leading provider of orthopedic care, offering services ranging from physical therapy for basic injuries to joint replacement surgery for chronic joint pain. We invite you to explore our orthopedic health services, read patient testimonials, and check out our monthly blog posts on orthopedic topics. To schedule an appointment, book online or call us at (515) 955-6767. Additionally, we have walk-in sports medicine clinics available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
