BMI vs. % body fat

[PatrickG 5]

http://upload.wikime...S_1994_Data.PNG

The attached chart says it all for me. I am at 30 BMI but about 25% body fat. So according to BMI I am borderline obese, but according to %body fat I am at the top end of normal.

[RickM 1,747]

http://upload.wikime...S_1994_Data.PNG

The attached chart says it all for me. I am at 30 BMI but about 25% body fat. So according to BMI I am borderline obese, but according to %body fat I am at the top end of normal.

It sure does. I'm right about 29 BMI now, but 21-23 %BF which is just at or above normal for men on the charts I've seen (they list "normal" as being 11-21 or 22) but there's more variation in how BF is classed by different groups than BMI. I'm targeting 15%BF, which will still put me at an overweight 26-27BMI. BMI only really has value on a population basis and as this chart shows, has little value to the individual. One can have a "normal" BMI and still be over-fat. I'll take a lean "overweight" anytime.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,282]

It sure does. I'm right about 29 BMI now, but 21-23 %BF which is just at or above normal for men on the charts I've seen (they list "normal" as being 11-21 or 22) but there's more variation in how BF is classed by different groups than BMI. I'm targeting 15%BF, which will still put me at an overweight 26-27BMI. BMI only really has value on a population basis and as this chart shows, has little value to the individual. One can have a "normal" BMI and still be over-fat. I'll take a lean "overweight" anytime.

Yep, me too! I replied to this topic at OH but thought I'd mention here too that I don't give the BMI charts any credence when it comes to ME. Body Fat% is my goal and right now I'm right around 33.5%. I'm working toward 29% which is "moderately lean" for a woman. If I don't lose one more pound but as long as my body fat goes down I'm ok with that. I'm NOT trying to lose weight, I'm trying to minimize my body fat. There is a difference.

I am under in my body weight in the last 6 weeks by about 5 Lbs but my inches, and especially on my thighs has gone down a great deal. I still get people commenting on me all the time... but my BEST compliment yet is folks telling me how "fit" I look. Ohhh yeahhh!!!

[Roseib 13]

My doctor said % body fat is what is important.