Eligibility is a clinical decision
BMI is a starting point, not approval for an operation. Indian guidance recognises that South Asian patients can develop obesity-related illness at lower BMI levels. The OSSI framework must be applied alongside your health, treatment history and readiness for aftercare.
Sources: OSSI: Indian bariatric and metabolic surgery guidelines
BMI thresholds in current OSSI guidance
The table below summarises the guideline checked on 5 October 2026. These thresholds indicate when surgery may be considered or recommended; they do not decide the procedure for an individual.
| BMI (kg/m²) | Clinical context |
|---|---|
| ≥27.5 | May be recommended with life-threatening disorders such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea or cardiomyopathy. |
| ≥30 | May be recommended for inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. |
| ≥32.5 | Recommended with at least one significant obesity-related condition. |
| ≥35 | Highly recommended with or without related conditions. |
| ≥37.5 | Strongly recommended; associated conditions are not required for consideration. |
Sources: OSSI: Indian bariatric and metabolic surgery guidelines
What to prepare for the consultation
A useful first appointment connects your weight history to your medical concerns and goals. Bring existing information rather than ordering tests from an online checklist. The team will advise which further assessments are appropriate.
- Recent height and weight measurements and previous weight records, if available.
- Current prescriptions, allergies and reports from your physician or endocrinologist.
- Details of previous weight-management treatment and what you found difficult to sustain.
- Previous operation records and any concerns about eating, support at home or regular appointments.
- Questions about gastric bypass, non-surgical options, risks, costs and the follow-up plan.
Discuss factors that may delay or rule out surgery
OSSI lists pregnancy or breastfeeding, active substance-use disorder, uncontrolled psychiatric illness affecting consent or adherence, and inability to maintain supplements or follow-up among contraindications. Tell the team about these concerns openly so the care plan can address them.
Sources: OSSI: Indian bariatric and metabolic surgery guidelines
Assessment at R.K. Hospital in Bhopal
Dr. Rajesh Kanungo offers bariatric and gastric bypass care at R.K. Hospital with nutrition and long-term follow-up supported by the hospital team. Ask what needs to be assessed before making a decision and which treatment is appropriate for your circumstances.
If you are coming from another city, call +91 9826038183 before travelling. Bring original reports and ask how many appointments may be needed. An appointment request does not commit you to surgery.
Sources and editorial information
- OSSI: Indian bariatric and metabolic surgery guidelines
- R.K. Hospital: Dr. Rajesh Kanungo’s qualifications
Published 2026-10-05; updated 2026-10-05. Written by the Dr. Rajesh Kanungo website editorial team. Practice details supplied by the R.K. Hospital team; clinical references accessed 5 October 2026. This educational guide supports a consultation and does not establish individual eligibility or prescribe treatment.
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Common questions
Selected patients can be considered at lower BMI levels under Indian guidance, particularly with important metabolic or obesity-related illness. A bariatric assessment is needed.
No. BMI alone cannot determine your operation, anaesthetic fitness, suitability or readiness for follow-up.