I disagree with my BMI scale

Dad_of_3
Dad_of_3 Posts: 517 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
The scale for a BMI says I should weigh 181 at 5'11.5". This gives me a BMI of 24.9, which is .1 below overweight.

I am large-framed based on my wrist and ankle size. I can easily pull 190 (thin). Or if I work out or bulk up, 200. 190 is my goal. While text book I would be obese, would I be, really, if I am large framed?

For reference, I looked skinny at 190 pounds (when I was 18 with a washboard stomach).

No haters or flame-wars, please.

BMI Scale for me: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/results_normal.html?pounds=181&inches=71.5

Replies

  • myfitnessnmhoy
    myfitnessnmhoy Posts: 2,105 Member
    I wouldn't worry too much about BMI. It's based on averages, and though very few non-athletes fall outside that average someone who is both large-framed and muscular could easily fall outside the range.

    What's your body fat percentage? That's a much better indicator of overall health.
  • isaacsonofabraham
    isaacsonofabraham Posts: 4
    I spoke to my doctor about my BMI some time ago. He said not to worry for it is just an average. According to my BMI, I am over weight....but my doctor says I am fine....I still want to get to 205# because I feel better at that weight.

    Not to worry...listen to your body...health is the key.
  • myfitnessnmhoy
    myfitnessnmhoy Posts: 2,105 Member
    Just noticed this...
    190 is my goal. While text book I would be obese, would I be, really, if I am large framed?

    At 190, you'd be nowhere near obese per the BMI scale. Your BMI would be 26.1, putting you at the low range of "overweight". To be considered "obese", you'd have to weigh darned near 220 pounds.
  • alpine1994
    alpine1994 Posts: 1,915 Member
    I agree with your disagreement. My boyfriend is 6'1" and fluctuates between 185-190lbs. He's pretty thin. He needs to keep his weight low because he's a pilot. Before he was flying he was around 205 and he looked great. (He still does, but you know what I mean. He didn't look hefty or overweight at all)
  • denezy
    denezy Posts: 573 Member
    I am a national team athlete who is considered class 1 obese according to my BMI. As much as my coach would like me to lose 5lbs, he'd kill me if I lost 40.
  • taylor5877
    taylor5877 Posts: 1,792 Member
    having flashbacks to my wii fit telling me I'm obese at about 10% body fat...
  • zaph0d
    zaph0d Posts: 1,172 Member
    Go by BF%. BMI is virtually meaningless.
  • bbuff101
    bbuff101 Posts: 8 Member
    If you have any muscle on your frame, your BMI will be way off. I'm at 30.4 (218lbs, 5'11") right now (obese) and my doctor compliments me everytime I go in for a physical, for taking care of myself. Apparently, your only healthy if you eat carrots and watch tv.

Categories