Do You Follow The BMI?

themrs08
themrs08 Posts: 87
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I've always looked at the BMI table and just felt disgusted. According to it, for my height, I should weigh between 103 and 135lbs. I think I'd look sick if I weighed that little. My goal weight is 150-175. 150 is considered overweight. 175 is still considered obese. So, I went searching for info about the BMI table and found an interesting article about a study done at the Mayo Clinic. If you'd like to read it, you can do so be going to this link: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/56296/the_bmi_indicator_of_heart_disease_pg2.html?cat=5

Replies

  • bmontgomery87
    bmontgomery87 Posts: 1,260 Member
    I don't follow it. It's way off in some cases.
  • Ashleypeterson37
    Ashleypeterson37 Posts: 347 Member
    I do. My goal weight of 150 is in the middle of the "healthy" bracket for me and I'm 5'9. When I weighed 150 4 years ago I looked and felt great! So it's pretty darn accurate for me.
  • Jenscan
    Jenscan Posts: 694 Member
    My goal weight is at the top range for my height. I actually dropped down far past that once before when I was fighting an ED and even though I was still in the "healthy" weight category, I was far too thin for my body type.

    So I don't take much stock in BMI. It is probably good for many people but not all of us. Do what you feel is appropriate for YOU!
  • stefraab
    stefraab Posts: 402 Member
    I used to think the same thing but now I wonder if my perception was just kind of skewed.
    Still - aim for whatever you feel comfortable with. When you get there you can re-evaluate!
    For the record: I find the BMI thing depressing too :-(
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    You must be just a little taller than I am (5'3"). While I can appreciate that you feel right now that 135 is too thin, you might feel differently when and if you actually get there. I hit 140 at the beginning of the year and I felt too... I hate to use the "F" word, but I really felt too fat. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and didn't like what I saw in the mirror. It's all in what we're used to, I guess.

    While I don't completely subscribe to the BMI as the only index, it is AN index, and when combined with waist size, gives a very good indication of your chances for future health issues due to your weight. Go for your current goal and see how you feel when you get there. If you're still happy there, then great, but you might consider actually shooting for the healthy BMI range.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Sort of... I'm shooting for the top number in the healthy range for my height. No idea if that'll be reasonable or not and since I've got a little over 40 pounds to lose before I get there, I'm going to worry about getting rid of that first and then deal with my "real" goal when I get there. I'll also be looking for input from my doc to see what she thinks.
    The last time I was anywhere near that number I was in high school and nowhere near as fit as I am now so who knows - maybe I'll feel like I can lose another 10-15, maybe I'll feel like being technically "overweight" is ok.
  • keynesian
    keynesian Posts: 44 Member
    BMI, is just like the data on MFP... a guide not a set of absolutes. I'm just below the midpoint of 'normal' BMI for my height but know I'll look and feel better with a few more pounds lost.
  • TrainingWithTonya
    TrainingWithTonya Posts: 1,741 Member
    BMI is okay for people who don't lift anything heavier then their fork, but for any of us who lift weights we have to scrap it. I don't use it for my clients at all. I use body fat percentage instead. When measured by a professional it is much more accurate an indicator for health risk. And just for giggles, here's my favorite pic regarding BMI.

    bmi-comparison.jpg
  • jellybaby84
    jellybaby84 Posts: 583 Member
    I do but I follow it knowing it's more or less crap!
  • trinityj1
    trinityj1 Posts: 97 Member
    I'd go by body fat % and how you look and feel more than weight, but I'm 5'8" with an athletic build and I was definitely overweight at 170. For someone your height, 135 is almost certainly not too thin at all.

    See what you think when you get closer to your goal and use your own judgement, but you'll probably be surprised.
  • fitmommy2012
    fitmommy2012 Posts: 451 Member
    You must be just a little taller than I am (5'3"). While I can appreciate that you feel right now that 135 is too thin, you might feel differently when and if you actually get there. I hit 140 at the beginning of the year and I felt too... I hate to use the "F" word, but I really felt too fat. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and didn't like what I saw in the mirror. It's all in what we're used to, I guess.

    While I don't completely subscribe to the BMI as the only index, it is AN index, and when combined with waist size, gives a very good indication of your chances for future health issues due to your weight. Go for your current goal and see how you feel when you get there. If you're still happy there, then great, but you might consider actually shooting for the healthy BMI range.

    Yeah I am with you!! I am 5'3 and the BMI index says I should weigh between 143 and 107. I currently weigh 143 but I still am unhappy with how I look. I still have a lot of "mommy flab" to lose! :( I am not obsesed with my weight the way I used to be. All I care about it how I look in clothes, NOT how much I weigh!! The BMI index can be crap sometimes! It says my husband is obese at 5'8 and 203 pounds!!! That is ridiculous!! He looks a little heavy but definitely NOT obese!! I think it can take things too far because it says he should weigh between 165 and like 125 he would look so disgusting at 125!!!
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