Unrealistic BMIs

[MintyFresh 0]

You know what really bothers me. "Society" is supposed to have a BMI of 15 to 25 right? Well, my absolute lowest goal that I feel would be good for me would put me at a BMI of 24 -- the high end! What is up with that? If I ended up with a BMI of 15, I'd look like a skeleton!

[musicalmomma 1]

Yeah, I'm shooting for the highest BMI in my range. If I feel I need to lose more, I'll go for it, but I can't even PICTURE myself under 155! I got down to 207 once and I looked pretty darn good! I had the appearance of needing to shed about 25-35 pounds. So, I'd be darn thrilled to hit 175!!! But that's too high, according to the BMI scale! Oh how I hate BMI!!!! Heheh

[DBAGuy 0]

BMI's are based on statistics of millions of people, so they're valid when looking at medical impacts of that large a group. Many nutritionists and doctors I've spoken with agree that BMI numbers aren't precise when looking at an individual. My ideal BMI weight range is 140 - 180, but my doctor will be very happy if I can establish a control range of 190 - 210.

[GayleTX 1]

There is beginning to be a lot of criticism of the BMI charts....it doesn't take body frame into consideration, among other things. Mine says 110 lbs ....at my age I'd look like a concentration camp escapee!

[Big Monkey 0]

Stats are one thing, being healthy is another.

I don't know what my BMI is now, frankly I don't care. I do know how I look and feel and I know I want to change that. The stats I do care about are what my doctor tells me. Blood pressure, cholesterol, that kind of stuff.

I really could care less about what somone else says the exact amount I should weigh and the appropriate body fat percentage. At the same time, I'm way over all of those lines and I know I'd be happier when I get close to those numbers.

I think I'm rambling now. Point is, do what you think is right for you. Everyone's body is different. As long as you're healthy, do and be what makes you happy.

[Chickie 15]

A BMI of 15 would actually be considered very, very underweight.

I am at at a BMI of 19, and am teetering on underweight.

The "healthy" BMI range is 19.9-24.9.

The reason for the 5 point range is to take into account different body shapes, and frames (not that I put a lot of stock into frame sizes - I always said I had a large frame. I am super tiny, I do NOT have a large frame like I always thought) It takes a body builder type muscle to make a person with a healthy body fat % to be considered "overweight" by the BMI charts. And really. A skeleton of a 500lb person is not going to be dramaticly heavier than that of a 150lb person.

I know it is hard for people to picture themselves at a normal weight or BMI, but just because you cannot imagine it for whatever reason, does not mean that it is unhealthy or unrealistic.