Question about BMI.

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ohhman10
ohhman10 Posts: 40
edited January 7 in Health and Weight Loss
So my BMI says I'm obese... As of this morning I am 168 pounds. I am 4"10 and female... I know I'm over weight but never thought obese... And for me to get into "healthy range" I have to be 118 pounds. 118 pounds just for healthy range?!? My goal is 130 pound because when I was 130 I felt good and thin. 118 seems a little extreme.

How serious do you take BMI?

Replies

  • NyimaR
    NyimaR Posts: 108 Member
    When you're shorter, the boundaries between each category are much closer together than for taller folks. I wouldn't worry about it but use it as a bit of motivation. I started my weight loss when I tipped over into obese on my BMI and I'm now well into the realms of normal.
    Everyone said that there was no way I was big enough to be obese, but because of my body shape it wasn't obvious. I think some people seem to hide their fat in less visible places!
    At the end of the day BMI is about averages and statistics, it's not accurate for athletes for example. But most people can use it as a decent guideline.
  • mayamagallanes
    mayamagallanes Posts: 85 Member
    Its hard for me to trust the BMI because ALL bodies are different. I am 5'4" and my senior year I weighed 155lbs and was a size 3/5.I am pretty muscular and people thought I was more 120/125lbs. I was considered "OVERWEIGHT" which clearly I wasnt. I dont think its BS but Im not a huge fan of it.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,460 MFP Moderator
    You shouldn't take BMI serious at all. I wouldn't even worry about weight. Worry about how you look in clothes and how you feel. I am 195 lbs and 12% body fat; this means I am overweight according to BMI and weight... all because I have muscle.
  • MightyDomo
    MightyDomo Posts: 1,265 Member
    As those above, don't take it too seriously. I was literally in the obese zone just a month ago and I am 5"4-1/2 and was 171. I was told I didn't look more than about 150. There are many images on google that can show you the difference that weight in fat and muscle make. Sometimes someone who has great muscle tone but also has a higher amount of body fat wear that weight really well. I am an example of that, I put on great muscle tone in the last two years (even under the chub that I have gained you can still notice it the muscle tone in certain places).

    So honestly if 130 feels good and looks good to you. Then it is good.
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