Which of the following individuals would be a likely candidate for bariatric surgery?

• A. An individual with a BMI of 42 who has struggled to lose weight.
• B. An individual with a BMI of 27 and has a history of heart disease.
• C. An individual with a BMI of 31.
• D. An individual with a BMI of 24 looking to lose stubborn fat.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the criteria for bariatric surgery: Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
2. Evaluate the first option: An individual with a BMI of 42 who has struggled to lose weight meets the BMI threshold of 40 or higher, making them a likely candidate for bariatric surgery.
3. Evaluate the second option: An individual with a BMI of 27 and a history of heart disease does not meet the BMI threshold of 35 or higher, even though they have a health condition. Therefore, they are not a likely candidate.
4. Evaluate the third option: An individual with a BMI of 31 does not meet the BMI threshold of 35 or higher, nor is there mention of obesity-related health conditions. Thus, they are not a likely candidate.
5. Evaluate the fourth option: An individual with a BMI of 24 looking to lose stubborn fat is within the normal BMI range (18.5–24.9) and does not meet the criteria for bariatric surgery.