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I can't reach my calorie count of 1200

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Replies

  • Posts: 1,930 Member

    In all BMI charts I've viewed, 19 is just at the very top of underweight BMI...

    According to the NIH a bmi of 19 is a healthy bmi, below 18.5 is considered underweight.
  • Posts: 1,930 Member
    edited November 2016
    avskk wrote: »
    I'd love to know how anyone can keep chirping "19 is in the healthy range" when it's been pointed out more than once that a BMI below 20 is associated with significant increases in mortality from a range of causes. I suspect "healthy" in this scenario means "pretty to look at" and not much else.

    In my case, my glucose numbers are directly related to my weight (I have years of of blood tests that show this), and a weight at a lower bmi produces better glucose results. All my other health markers are better at the lower healthy bmi range as well.

  • Posts: 233 Member
    nutmegoreo wrote: »

    1) She isn't eating 1200 calories, therefor highly unlikely that she is losing in a healthy manner.

    2) Whether or not her goals are appropriate is something that should be discussed with her GP. BMI is population measures, and has been demonstrated to be inaccurate/inappropriate for some individuals.

    3) OP is 18 and has been in an emotionally/verbally abusive relationship where her self-esteem has been run down for the last 2 years. Her own perceptions of what is an appropriate goal may be skewed.

    4) Talking down to people isn't helping the OP.

    I don't retract saying her goal ( per the general consensus) is fine if she focuses on nutrition and is doing it for her.

    The other issues I refrained from Commenting on because I don't have all the facts, no one here does.

    My response is in direct correlation to the manner I was treated. I don't need to be accepted by "the group" before stating an opposing opinion. Besides, I stated there is nothing wrong with saying she doesn't need to lose but should consider recomping. But that it was also important to note her goal was also acceptable. Like it or don't, I don't care either way.
  • Posts: 233 Member
    edited November 2016
    avskk wrote: »
    I'd love to know how anyone can keep chirping "19 is in the healthy range" when it's been pointed out more than once that a BMI below 20 is associated with significant increases in mortality from a range of causes. I suspect "healthy" in this scenario means "pretty to look at" and not much else.

    Healthy BMI is from 18.5-24.9. Those ailments occur in those who are considered underweight from everything I have read. If I read the reverse, my entire pov on her goal would be showing her the healthy range and suggesting her goal shift slightly to fit that criteria. Not to dismiss her goal entirely.
  • Lets not forget that the work will truly begin when trying to consistently maintain such a low weight.

    agreed, tough stuff...but u just gotta do what u need do 2 b personally happy/satisfied
  • Posts: 1,930 Member
    nutmegoreo wrote: »

    That's great! :smile:

    I'm glad your health markers have improved, and that you are able to maintain.

    Thanks :)

  • Posts: 233 Member
    avskk wrote: »
    I don't agree that "healthy" and "increased risk of death" are synonymous, @msalicia116. I admire the way you stand up for your opinions, but I don't find them as valid as scientific studies of health at BMI below 20.

    @crzycatlady1 That's awesome! Shout your snowflake status from the rooftops -- sounds like you've earned it. :)

    I wasn't stating my opinion, I'm not a scientist/expert. I was using the BMI chart stating the healthy BMI range. Nothing more. If that chart changes, which it may in the future, I will always suggest that in regards to goals. And I do my best not to recommend my personal preferences on others. I know we all have our own standards.
  • Posts: 233 Member

    The "healthy" range on the chart was originally 20-25. They lowered the bottom end to 18.5 because, for a small number of short women, 18.5-20 was okay too. It's not okay for the vast majority of tall women (though, like any other statistic, there will be a few outliers).

    Why is height relevant? Because BMI doesn't actually scale properly with height. You divide weight (proportional to volume which is proportional to height cubed) by height squared. Basic math shows that, as height increases, height cubed increases faster than height squared. So, as a healthy individual gets taller (e.g. as a teenager), their BMI increases unless they simultaneously get thinner. As such, the real "healthy" range for tall people is higher than the real "healthy" range for short people. But tables for the general public are generally made to be as simple and math-free as possible (and involve round numbers since round numbers seem to make us happy), so the medical establishment just gives one blanket range for everybody.

    That's an awesome explanation!
  • Posts: 233 Member
    WinoGelato wrote: »

    And just to reiterate, the OP is 5'8 so would definitely fit in that tall range for whom those lower BMIs would be unhealthy.

    Quibbling over numbers based on such a broad range of averages seems kind of silly when we are dealing with a very young OP who is in an abusive relationship, clearly has body image issues, is struggling to eat a minimum of calories and is going through some tough emotional stuff right now. It seems some (not you @SusanMFindlay ) want to pick a fight with more experienced members over a silly number on a chart, just for the sake of telling this OP that she can make her own decisions, regardless of whether those decisions are in the best emotional and physical interest of OP.
    WinoGelato wrote: »

    And just to reiterate, the OP is 5'8 so would definitely fit in that tall range for whom those lower BMIs would be unhealthy.

    Quibbling over numbers based on such a broad range of averages seems kind of silly when we are dealing with a very young OP who is in an abusive relationship, clearly has body image issues, is struggling to eat a minimum of calories and is going through some tough emotional stuff right now. It seems some (not you @SusanMFindlay ) want to pick a fight with more experienced members over a silly number on a chart, just for the sake of telling this OP that she can make her own decisions, regardless of whether those decisions are in the best emotional and physical interest of OP.

    Are you for real. You have to be kidding.

    You ladies are really something else. Now it's boring and pointless since you didn't even bother to read my pov, and there's obviously some weird petting going on. Oh well.
  • Posts: 9,412 Member
    No, I didnt see her doing that.

    Anyway returning to OP's concerns and not what other posters said to each other...........
  • Posts: 9,412 Member
    Anyway, back to OP's concerns........
  • Posts: 7,722 Member

    I'm not intimidated by you or anyone on this thread. I didn't charge in here or do anything but state she should focus on her nutrition, and because her goal is in the healthy range, really other people's opinions (mine included) doesn't matter.

    You and your "you can't sit here" mentality because I have a different opinion than you and your friends doesn't phase me. She stated she wanted to lose weight, separate from her bf. Respecting that note, I gave my opinion keeping in mind her goals were in the "healthy range". My goals and preference has nothing to do with her. The only thing that matters was that she was in a healthy range for her goal, and doing it in a healthy way. What you, I, or anyone else went through have nothing to do with her.

    You're obviously emotional and spend a lot of time here.

    Thanks for the armchair diagnosis, but... you quite missed the mark, dear.
  • Posts: 7,722 Member

    According to the NIH a bmi of 19 is a healthy bmi, below 18.5 is considered underweight.

    It's healthy because it covers a range of heights and frame sizes. Let's be objective here and get back to the OP and determine if it's healthy for her. She is 5'8" tall and doesn't look like she has the delicate features of someone with a small frame. A 19 BMI wouldn't be appropriate for her. Lower BMIs can be healthy, but they are only healthy for smaller framed people who are, for the most part, shorter.

    So, again, going back to the OP, and not talking in generalities, the OP is the one who wants to reach it.

    Right now, she said her goal weight in MFP is 135. That's fine, and I'd support her in that if all she wanted to do is lean out.

    She's very young and in a fragile place. Let's be real and focus on HER.
  • Posts: 7,722 Member

    The "healthy" range on the chart was originally 20-25. They lowered the bottom end to 18.5 because, for a small number of short women, 18.5-20 was okay too. It's not okay for the vast majority of tall women (though, like any other statistic, there will be a few outliers).

    Why is height relevant? Because BMI doesn't actually scale properly with height. You divide weight (proportional to volume which is proportional to height cubed) by height squared. Basic math shows that, as height increases, height cubed increases faster than height squared. So, as a healthy individual gets taller (e.g. as a teenager), their BMI increases unless they simultaneously get thinner. As such, the real "healthy" range for tall people is higher than the real "healthy" range for short people. But tables for the general public are generally made to be as simple and math-free as possible (and involve round numbers since round numbers seem to make us happy), so the medical establishment just gives one blanket range for everybody.

    MsAlicia, this is why I asked how tall you were.
  • Posts: 4,658 Member
    Let's not forget that BMI is an archaic system and should only be used as a guide for establishing "healthy" weight.
    It does not account for individual differences such as fat distribution, bodyfat percentage/Lean mass, muscle shape etc.

    I am obese according to BMI, sit within the athletic bodyfat range and have no health issues.
  • Posts: 38,439 MFP Moderator
    Locked for moderator review.
This discussion has been closed.