BMI serious question

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Replies

  • KatrineJensen
    KatrineJensen Posts: 75 Member
    I honestly think you should talk to a dietician or a doctor, because they could give you some much better advice and help with your diet. You sound like you have very disordered eating habits, and professional guidance could really help you.
  • HaidaB
    HaidaB Posts: 8
    BMI = useless if you have any muscle at all.
    Not entirely true: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28363129
  • SingRunTing
    SingRunTing Posts: 2,604 Member
    If you want to track something, track your body fat %. At this point, its a more useful measurement than your weight.
  • I honestly think you should talk to a dietician or a doctor, because they could give you some much better advice and help with your diet. You sound like you have very disordered eating habits, and professional guidance could really help you.
    That's what I'm gonna do next, indeed. :) Thanks again! I'll let you know :D
  • Kate7294
    Kate7294 Posts: 783 Member
    They ( as in those who work in the medical field) are now saying waist size is more important than BMI in predicting future health problems etc. I noticed WebMD has both BMI and second scale/chart based on waist size. I researched this recently one because I'm still considered obese on BMI and two out of curiosity ...Most weight lifters ( men anyway) tend to be considered overweight or obese based on BMI's. Hope this answers your questions.
  • xenabobb
    xenabobb Posts: 1
    It sounds to me like you are obsessing over arbitrary numbers instead of paying attention to what counts: you have lost fat and replaced it with muscle mass. You seem to be happier now with how your body looks; use that as your way of judging health instead of BMI. Eating enough to maintain strength so you can continue your workout routine is imperative! I must caution that what I am reading sounds like you are dangerously close to - if not already victim to - an eating disorder. Please see a doctor.

    By the way, if you look anything at all like your avatar photo, you are in great physical shape and can totally tell BMI to suck it!
  • DR2501
    DR2501 Posts: 661 Member
    BMI = useless if you have any muscle at all.
    Not entirely true: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28363129

    I didn't read it in detail (TL:DR) but it seems to discuss why different cyclists favour different muscles and therefore have different bodyfat percentages and BMI's. It doesn't explain why BMI takes into account total weight rather than differentiating between LBM and fat. Or did I miss that part 'cos I CBA to read it all (hey, its Friday)
  • marinashakeel
    marinashakeel Posts: 263 Member
    Hi there!

    First of, I want to explain my situation: basically, in the last 2 months, I have gained 5-6 lbs. I have been eating super healthy (chicken, mostly, veggies, eggs), counting calories etc, but drinking much more water and exercising a LOT, running 1 hour every day, sit ups, push ups, squats and so much more exercise with very heavy dumbells every single day. Now all my pants are way looser BUT my scale says I've gained 5-6 lbs and therefore exceeding the BMI normal weight and drifting slowly into overweight (by 1 lb or 2). I want to get ripped and big and here's the dilemma: should I still care for the BMI or should I keep working out like a beast every day (but Sundays) and keep gaining weight and therefore being 'overweight'? Of course I know it's mostly water and in order to stay within the normal BMI weight I am trying not to eat much and just drink a lot. But that won't make me bigger and stronger. Also, I can only eat dinner, I can't during the day for many reasons that I can't explain here. What should I do? Again, should I still care for BMI? Or should I start eating more carbs for more energy and muscle gain?

    Thanks in advance!
    REPEAT AFTER ME: NEVER CARE ABOUT BMI. BMI IS USELESS.
    even in people who dont lift people never tell how much a person holds fat and muscle.. i have actually seen people of my weight way heavier than me.. and its all because of high fat .. i dont do any weightlifting just cardio
  • It sounds to me like you are obsessing over arbitrary numbers instead of paying attention to what counts: you have lost fat and replaced it with muscle mass. You seem to be happier now with how your body looks; use that as your way of judging health instead of BMI. Eating enough to maintain strength so you can continue your workout routine is imperative! I must caution that what I am reading sounds like you are dangerously close to - if not already victim to - an eating disorder. Please see a doctor.

    By the way, if you look anything at all like your avatar photo, you are in great physical shape and can totally tell BMI to suck it!

    Yeah I'm kind of obsessing over that, like you said. I have had an actual eating disorder (I can privately talk about it but, you know, not here) and got mostly out of it, not completely though. That picture was taken 2 weeks ago, I am in better shape now actually :) Thanks!
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    From what you're saying here, you need help.

    Head over to the Gaining Weight forum. Tell them your height and weight and fitness goals. If you know your %body fat, tell them that, too. Tell them your current exercise routine and diet. Tell them you had an ED and are improving, but still dealing with it.

    There are experienced people over there who can help you set up a reasonable diet and exercise program and can tell you what to expect out of it. There are also several people who have recovered from or are still recovering from EDs, and can help you with that aspect.

    Good luck.
  • HaidaB
    HaidaB Posts: 8
    BMI = useless if you have any muscle at all.
    Not entirely true: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28363129

    I didn't read it in detail (TL:DR) but it seems to discuss why different cyclists favour different muscles and therefore have different bodyfat percentages and BMI's. It doesn't explain why BMI takes into account total weight rather than differentiating between LBM and fat. Or did I miss that part 'cos I CBA to read it all (hey, its Friday)
    Linked it more for the "BMI is no use if you have muscle" comment. Think the only reason BMI doesn't differentiate between type of mass is that it is just a rough and ready guide. That being said, it's possible to be muscly and have a BMI within normal range - although admittedly TdF riders aren't really your average Joes.