Goal Weight?

So far, I have lost 193 pounds (and counting). I'm 6-0 in height and 38 years old (male). I'm currently at 212 pounds with a BMI of 28.7. I am not sure what my goal weight should be. I'm thinking I want to be somewhere in the 185-200 range depending on my muscle mass. I lift weights consistently 6 days a week (alternating muscle groups each day) and also do lap swim and walking/hiking so I'm pretty active now. I try to exercise at least 2 hours a day and some days, I exercise 2.5 - 3.5 hours a day (morning: lifting weights/swimming; afternoon: walking/hiking). My waist is currently at 39 inches so I know I definitely want to lose more inches. I'm thinking of a BMI around 26-27 with an athletic/muscular build would be a good goal and keep working on reducing my body fat percentage. I don't want to be a body builder but a good physique would be nice. My next annual physical with my doctor isn't until November so I also plan to talk to my doctor about my goal weight. BMI says anything over 185 is "overweight" but I know BMI has lots of limitations, especially for those with lots of muscle. At age 39, I'm now in the best shape of my life but I want to continue to improve my fitness level. I would rather be 190-200 but more athletic and muscular. I'm thinking about taking out a new life insurance policy but underwriting requirements say I need to be under 200 or 209 (depending on the insurer) for the preferred plus rate. I'm not in the military but for most branches, the max weight is around 200 pounds for a 6-0 male. I'm thinking 200 is a good goal and then work on decreasing my body fat percentage. Any thoughts?

Brian,

I guess I'm not really sure what to tell you except that your final goal weight should be whatever you want it to be. As long as you're happy and healthy, don't necessarily try to fit into some chart somewhere. I'm 6'0" also, when I graduated from high school, I was 206 lbs, I went into the army 3 days later and graduated basic training at 208 lbs and in the best shape of my life (I was not a weight lifter, just in shape). When I retired from the Army I was probably around 225-230, but I passed the body fat tests, so I wasn't considered overweight. I'm shooting for 240, and may adjust that downward a little. Point is, you have done amazing, get to a weight that you are happy and healthy with and are going to be able to maintain.

Disclaimer: As always, I am not a Doctor/Nutritionist, nor did I play one on TV.....I have stayed in a Holiday Inn Express and I am a French Model on the Internet!