BMI or Physical Appearance?

ferd_ttp5

What do you prefer to follow between the two? I want to know and share your thoughts about the topic thanks

crazyycatladyy1

I go by weight/bmi. The only reason I lost the extra weight was to normalize a high glucose number and I have several years of data now that show the lower weight I am, the better my glucose number is. My maintenance range is 125lbbs-130lbs and that keeps my glucose number in the 80s.

Appearance wise-didn't mind what I looked like 50lbs heavier, still don't really care now 50lbs lighter. I'm still me, just with different sized clothes.

ninerbuff

Physical Appearance. BMI only accounts for weight/height ratio based it's value. The weight can all be distributed on the bottom or top.
If someone looks physically great, why would BMI matter much?

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

livingleanlivingclean

Physique/appearance. I can't see my weight in the mirror every day.

... That, and bmi is ridiculous for people with any decent amount of muscle.

JeromeBarry1

Between the loose skin and the gaunt appearance, there's nothing about Physical Appearance for me to admire. I'll keep going with weight loss until I am well and thoroughly in the Health BMI and then see if anything ever looks better. The good news is that I'm a man and men are supposed to be ugly anyway.

usmcmp

Body fat percentage and health markers. Due to having high lean mass I'll never be in a healthy BMI unless my body fat was dangerously low. Physical appearance can be deceiving and doesn't imply health.

dutchandkiwi

I do not see why I would need to choose. I go by both. Middle of my BMI and in shape

Machka9

They both go hand in hand.

AnvilHead

Appearance, body fat percentage and health markers.

It just so happens that, at least for me, they coincide with being within the "healthy" BMI range (albeit near the top of it).

yskaldir

BMI is fine for most people unless they weight train.

sijomial

Neither for me really.

BMI isn't really a big thing for me - around the top of the BMI normal range works for me but I'm not fussed if I'm a bit over or under.

Appearance - not really a big driver for me. I'm 57 so if my body is a Temple then perhaps it's the Parthenon?
Zero interest in a six pack for example, just isn't a motivator for me.

Health and physical performance are more important to me. Fitter and stronger are my goals.

sgt1372

BF, WT & appearance.

I don't put too much stock in BMI, which is supposed to be a proxy for BF but with 10% BF (measured hydrostatically) my BMI is only 24 (hi normal) while 10% BF is considered lean and athletic. So, BMI is pfettu irrelevant to mr.

bbell1985

When I'm at the higher end of my BMI, I'm starting to feel chunky, as in my profile pic. I am not concerned about health because I know I'm fit, but yeah...physique at the higher end is not tight lol.

Geocitiesuser

Both. Healthy BMI and a healthy outward appearance, are both optimal. Our hearts are only designed to pump blood through a body of a pretty particular size. If you are BMI 29 of solid muscle, you're still medically overweight even though you might "look nice". Like wise you can be BMI 23 but "skinny fat" with out much muscle mass.

DeficitDuchess

BMI because I suspect at some point that, my disability'll put me in; a wheelchair & I don't have great upper body strength as it's, so I've to become the lowest/healthiest weight possible even if; I dislike the way that I'll look! To ensure that I'll be able to, maneuver/lift myself when; that occurs & for other's to easily, when I eventually'll be unable to; do so!

purebredpolly

Me? BMI, that's what I'm going for. I'm only really concerned about the health benefits.

RoxieDawn

It was BMI at first so that I reached that particular goal my doctor said would be ideal.

I will be 49 soon, over all health an wellness are primary focal points. I train for certain physical activities so performance is important as well. The bonus side you get to enhance your physical appearance and I do enjoy the process of building muscle and being stronger as well.

Tabbycat00

I prefer appearance (and health) over BMI after all, no one follows me around with a scale. Technically, according to my BMI I'm "under weight" but I'm still not happy with my appearance so I'm working to build muscle.

macchiatto

I go by appearance and health.

Running_and_Coffee

I don't think I'd be comfortable being above a normal BMI...I don't have an especially broad build so I know 25+ BMI would be too high for me. That being said, I picked my goal weight based on what I know I can realistically maintain long term and also a weight that means most of the clothes I own fit perfectly (a little lower and they get big, heavier and they get tight.)

sardelsa

While I would mostly go with physical appearance, for my body and build I really can't see it going outside the BMI range.

Need2Exerc1se

Of the two choice proffered I’d say BMI because I can’t be trusted to accurately judge myself on appearance.

But I mostly go by how tight my jeans are (or hopefully, are not).

rainbow198

Physical appearance for me. I wanted a flat belly, no back fat, I didn't want my thighs rubbing together and I wanted a little muscle and some curves.

I wanted my health numbers to be in the healthy ranges and a lower heart rate.

Also fitness was a big deal to me. I wanted to be able to hike for miles and mile without getting tired and to do push ups on my toes etc.

With hard work and time I've achieved of the above and more, but when I was losing I didn't care about my BMI or scale weight either. I am happily maintaining in the healthy BMI range though.

tomteboda

I'd say both. BMI is a crude tool, misestimating body fat frequently (overestimating in some, underestimating in others). It gives you a general idea of a range of healthy body weights, but only an individual can really determine when they've arrived at a physique and lifestyle they can live with.

Francl27

Physical appearance definitely but let's be honest, I look fat if I go over the normal BMI range anyway (even at the top of the normal range really).

I have an 'overweight' friend who looks awesome though, so it really depends on the individual.

Unknown

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djchaney3

Appearance all the way... I am 5' 10" and according to all the stupid charts I should weight about 179lbs... My goal is 210ish, still got 20lbs to go...

trigden1991

100% appearance and how I "feel" about my physique.

- The scale indicates if I've lost or gained weight
- BMI tells me I'm obese
- Bodyfat measuring methods are inaccurate/not reliable

Gamliela

Appearance.

stanmann571

trigden1991 wrote: »

100% appearance and how I "feel" about my physique.

- The scale indicates if I've lost or gained weight
- BMI tells me I'm obese
- Bodyfat measuring methods are inaccurate/not reliable

50% appearance, 50% performance.

Hitting my 2 mile run, and strength goals... along with my tape/appearance goals I'm 100% happy.

Gamliela

edit, and performance, after reading above. Makes sense.