What's the lowest BMI you'd go to?

Oishii

Yesterday my mum was shocked and upset to hear that my BMI was 20. She said 22 was ideal, but at 22 I still have double chins, so that's hardly ideal for me :laugh:

I won't go below 20, at least for the moment, because, statistically, that could affect fertility and I'm TTC. If I wasn't TTC I might see if a BMI of 18 was when my stomach finally reduced, but I wouldn't go any lower.

I know BMI isn't perfect, but what is your, personal, bottom limit?

Yakisoba

Whatever 135lb. at 5'4'' is.

claire_xox

mine is currently 18.7
Physically I'm NOT happy with my body, I want to tone, build muscle . gain weight and lose inches

I wouldn't recommend going below 20

quitmakingexcuses

I'm not looking for a specific number, but I'm trying to get right in the middle of the healthy range.

Oishii

Whatever 135lb. at 5'4'' is.

23.1, according to my calculator

capriciousmoon

I was down to a BMI of 20 two years ago, but I still looked chubby and people thought I was still overweight so... I will probably aim for 18 and see what works for me. I'm mostly looking at my body fat % though, more than weight and BMI.

fueledbystina

Right now I'm at about 24.2, my goal would put me at 19.5 and that freaks my mom out. :P
I don't think there is a real "ideal" bmi, as long as it's in the healthy zone it shouldn't be a problem.

wendyannie1976

I don't go on BMI as its unpredictable - at the moment I'm 3.5lbs away from goal and that will put me at 21.5 BMI but I have body fat of just 15.4% which BMI doesn't take into account, this site has the lowest healthy BMI of 18.5 which for me is 114.6lbs another 16lbs lower then goal which I know is not a good look especially with lowish body fat so personally I wouldn't use BMI as a goal its how comfortable and happy you are in your body, you can tone and tighten up but still be at a heavier BMI whilst being smaller size.

Hope you find the right size for you x

Yakisoba

Whatever 135lb. at 5'4'' is.

23.1, according to my calculator

-just realized what your username is- ^.^

shakybabe

My Wii Fit says mine should be 22 and I should be 9st 3 so that's what I'm aiming for. Started at 12st 7 with BMI of 29... down to 11st 3 and BMI 27, hoping to reach goal by my birthday next year (June 2012).

Oishii

Whatever 135lb. at 5'4'' is.

23.1, according to my calculator

-just realized what your username is- ^.^

Loving yours too (⌒▽⌒)

suzycreamcheese

i dont think i look good at lower than 19 or 19.5

meerkat70

If you're going under 20, and still worrying about double chins or fat bits, you might want to consider very seriously how accurately you're perceiving your own body. Sometimes other people's guidance on this is the best.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

If you're going under 20, and still worrying about double chins or fat bits, you might want to consider very seriously how accurately you're perceiving your own body. Sometimes other people's guidance on this is the best.

Ditto. We often fail to see our bodies accurately and spiral into danger zone thinking that less weight us the answer. Body recomposition is the real solution.

BMI is far from perfect but that lower limit is there for a reason. I believe that if you had to lose a significant amount of weight to get there then it probably isn't ideal for your body and a bmi of 20-22 is more reasonable.

For me, the lowest I'd go is 18.5-19. I've always been fit/thin so losing bodyfat reduces my bmi...I never had much to lose.

cppeace

well I am trying to actually get down to what is still considered overweight at 25.6 or something being 5'7 and 165 once there I may decide to drop 10 more pound doubt I'll ever go lower... Im pretty big boned and curvy so shall see... Yeah unless you just happen to be really waifish I wouldnt go below 18 myself but thats me good luck

surveying

They say your bmi should be between 20 and 25. I think the medical people would possibly say that below that is unhealthy.

rajivdubey

I would say that depending on your age watever one can manage between 20-25. 22 being ideal.

Mine is 24 and I want to get to 22. My wife has BMI of 19 and she wants to get to 20.

We all have different goals! lol!

Oishii

If you're going under 20, and still worrying about double chins or fat bits, you might want to consider very seriously how accurately you're perceiving your own body. Sometimes other people's guidance on this is the best.

Ditto. We often fail to see our bodies accurately and spiral into danger zone thinking that less weight us the answer. Body recomposition is the real solution.

BMI is far from perfect but that lower limit is there for a reason. I believe that if you had to lose a significant amount of weight to get there then it probably isn't ideal for your body and a bmi of 20-22 is more reasonable.

For me, the lowest I'd go is 18.5-19. I've always been fit/thin so losing bodyfat reduces my bmi...I never had much to lose.

The double chins are still there at 60kg and my waist is a whole two sizes bigger than my hips. Now at 55kg, they are gone and my waist is only one size bigger than my hips. I know I don't have a double chin now. There is perception at work, but also genetics. You can be overweight and not have double chins, or a 'healthy' weight but still have them. Unfortunately the latter applies for me.

Lozzy_82

I don't know really. I'm at around 24.6 at the moment and I'm still pretty fat, so I think I could get significantly lower without looking too thin or unhealthy. I'm aiming for around 22-23 though, to start with.

jillleanne

My BMI is at 19.6 right now. And I still want to lose another 15 lbs. Which puts me at "underweight". BMI is kind of nonsense. It doesnt take into account your build, your bone/muscle density and etc. Its just a general tool.

allie1904

18.5 xx

E_Cee83

i am 5'7" and i like 19 as my BMI. i am currently 18.6 and i think thats ok for MY body type.

I have been as low as 16.2 but that was FAR too thin and lean for me.

Its all about how you feel. Some people look better than others with the same BMI.... its not really accurate and i never really gauge anything on or around BMI totals.

If you feel good, then thats what counts.

Kepp up the good work! xx

navyw1fe

Whatever 135lb. at 5'4'' is.

thats my same goal and im the same height :happy:

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

i love how people with "underweight" goals call BMI nonsense. I can see the bodybuilders/athletes who are super lean and are "overweight" but underweight people make me want to scream (or those with underweight goals).

There are REAL health implications for being underweight as a woman regardless of what you think is healthy/okay for your frame and build. Some people are NATURALLY underweight..that's one thing, but dieting to become underweight is something else entirely.

Some problems associated with being underweight (for those not NATURALLY that way)

Weakened Immune System
Underweight individuals often have fragile immune systems, putting them at risk of contracting infections and viruses. They may also feel weak and experience chronic fatigue.

Osteoporosis
Failing to consume food with the proper nutrients can cause lasting damage to the bones. Osteoporosis, which is linked to insufficient amounts of calcium in the diet, is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle. Underweight people are at risk for developing osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

Reproductive Issues
Women who are very thin may stop ovulating, experience irregular periods or face fertility issues. Underweight women who are pregnant may go into premature labor or deliver babies with low birth weights, which can lead to developmental problems.

Anemia
Underweight individuals are also at risk of developing anemia. People with anemia have a low number of red blood cells, usually as a result of an iron-deficient diet. This poses health risks because red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which is a protein that helps carry oxygen throughout the body.

Hair Loss
When people are underweight, they may experience hair thinning or loss as a result of malnutrition. Additionally, people who are drastically thin may grow a fine layer of hair called lanugo on their arms, legs or stomach.

calliope_music

i have no idea. i know that i would like to be healthy, though.

0PhAtDaDdY

I think 25 is as low as this old man can go..

Rae6503

Well, I want 18-20% body fat. My BMI right now is 22. I'm 5'9" and 150lbs. I calculated the other day that I'd be around 140lbs at 18% and that's about 20 BMI.

BMI doesn't take frame size or muscles into a count, so yeah, someone my height with a smaller frame would be healthier at lower BMI. My husband who is my height but has about 10lbs more muscle of course has a higher BMI.

hottottie11

My lean mass prevents me from ever being in the "Normal" BMI range. My goal BF is 18-19% (athletic, 8 lbs away) but I would still be in the overweight category

haykicks

9

CindiBryce

BMI isn't the most accurate measure of health. When I ate around 1800-2000 calories a day (I counted calories), I maintained a weight of 100-102, which is the bottom range of healthy or slightly underweight for my height.

ElizabethRoad

My goal weight would put me at 21.9, and I think anything under that is too low for me.

As a teenager my BMI was about 15. Definitely do NOT want to get back to that!