Realistic Goal Weight/BMI ???

pastorgregumc · March 16, 2010

My wife feels that the goal weight I'm shooting for is too low. I was basing it on a BMI of 24.8%. You all have been a wealth of knowledge and wondering what you all think/have experienced. Thanks!

Tiffykins · March 16, 2010

My goal weight was set high by my surgeon. He actually measured my ankle and elbow joints, and had a radiologist review I had done a few years ago. They determined I'm actually big boned. Now, with that being said, I was happy with my goal weight of 150. It was obtainable, and I hadn't been that weight since 8th-9th grade. He told me that the BMI chart is not the end all be all. Especially for obese people because being obese are bones are more dense than naturally thin people. Meaning, our bones actually weigh more than someone that has never struggled with their weight.

My surgeon told me to keep in mind that body fat percentage is a good tool to measure overall health as well. So, take the BMI chart and our body fat % all into account when determining our health.

I'm just at the tip of a normal BMI, but my body fat percentage still has me as overweight. Of course, working out, and building lean muscle will help decrease my body fat.

So, while I understand the importance of BMI, it's just not the best, 100% indicator of health. It's just part of the equation.

I know a lot of men from OH that always question their goal weight. Us, women, we just want to get smaller, but typically men have a different perspective on their weight loss. I'm not sure how tall you are, or your frame, but take into account all the factors and just not the BMI chart. Just my 2cents on goal weights.

pastorgregumc · March 16, 2010

Thanks! Good Advice. Now the next question. What is the best way to measure Body Fat% vs. BMI?

Tiffykins · March 16, 2010

The caliper test is the least expensive way to measure body fat percentage. I don't know the exact formula, but I had it done when I joined the gym, and it was included in my package. They measure at the upper thigh, that little fat on the stomach right the front hip bone, the tricep and bicep, and back fat was measured.