This measurement causes much confusion, can make athletes seem like they should be in the obese range, and scare the living daylights out of some people who exericse regularly. If i told you that Johnny Wilkinson is classed as overweight and has been in the obese range, would you believe me? What about martin johnson, former england rugby captain, always lean and in great shape? Yep, he’s obese too! And the list goes on and on of athletes who are classed in the obese and overweight range. I have done my test today and i come out as 27.7, which is comfortably in the overweight range.
To explain it all, you have to dig beneath a bit and in the smaller print, it does say it does overestimate those who have more lean muscle tissue than “normal” people. Since it is desirable to get a leaner, more muscular build, not only for appearance, but to raise your metabolism and burn more fat, the BMI may not be a true reflection for you.
On another scale, some of the senior’s i train have another issue. It may UNDERESTIMATE body fat in older people and others who have lost muscle mass.
In fairness to the BMI, it tries to assess the average person, and unfortunately, it will be the untrained individual who may or may not have a healthy diet. So if you are weight training/using resistance, your results may be a touch inaccurate.
This is no excuse to write the BMI scale off though, you will know if your body fat is too high simply by looking in the mirror some of you, if your clothes don’t fit, if you have no energy, you have no drive/enthuisasm, does everything wobble when you shake yourself, it’s important to be honest and all i was doing was clearing up a frequently asked question.
Your new year efforts will be dramatic if you want them to be, and you know that many of you will look an amazingly amount better 20 pounds lighter. As debbie said in a post, you may lose 20 pounds of body fat, yet gain 8 pounds of muscle, so the total weight loss of 12 pounds on the scale may not reflect your true efforts. Don’t always rely on the scales, a before and after photo is good, your clothes not fitting anymore is fantastic, your waist being less than half your height in inches, and you know if your efforts have been fantastic, you will FEEL fantastic too, simple as that.
Keri
When I worked with the Health Authority, specifically Diabetic and Diatetic Departments we would regard the BMI index with tongue in cheek, even the health proffesionals did’nt regard it very highly, It’s just a very broad reference and does not frighten me anymore. We used to go more on appearances BP, the tape and everything else in general, in other words the whole picture. I never get hung up on the BMI, it can be very misleading and frightening for the proffesionals never mind us mere mortals. I did mine this morning, it was 35.1, yawn, thought it would be more. Feel good today, in other words “I am aching” havent felt an ache for so long, Triceps, calves and stomach, so far, soooo good.
8.45 Porridge, fruit and protien
Indoor workout
12.25 handful of grapes
walked 30mins
1.30 Jkt potato, Philadelphia extra light, 3 slices of beef, 2 slices of wholemeal bread from SMALL LOAF
5pm diced carrots, 6 grapes
walked 45mins
6.30 3 new pots, chicken breast, broad beans, carrots, sprouts
will have protien shake later or sugar free jelly and muller banana yogurt
very good here indeed jean on the workouts and diet parts, well done!
Nice to hear your comments about the BMI, i was referring to the misconception the general public has about it, a lot of people don’t understand it like you do, thanks for your insights, and its shocking how many people are ill-informed out there. That’s what this blog is all about, getting the truth out there so we can help as many people as possible. It all counts!
I dont claim to understand it, just know that its not accurate, in some instances its way out and its not to be feared, so I dont respect it, I used it yesterday as a very broad guide line. That ‘s why I have never understood why they have never put a more accurate system in place, I have seen health professionals bin the charts. I think its had its day. Its like the 20min workout, we know better now, and the theory that FAT ONLY BURNS IN A CARBOHYDRATE FLAME, thats a concept no longer believed or relevant, com on Keri reinvent the wheel why dont you. Sure that there must be some system more reliable than BMI.
I know what BMI stands for !!! BUM’S MASSIVE INNIT??
Jean you are starting well, indoor workout and 2 walks!! Only walk I fit in today is the walk to the pub tonight. Going very steady on the alcohol though, hope to cycle tmrw for first time in ages.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Love Debxx
Hi Deb, I know that BMI too, far more reliable than other. Yes I did all that yesterday, but really sore today, could’nt do an indoor workout, so cycled for 1hour 15mins, freezing cold, I was like a MUMMY on the bike. I will be having a few bevs 2nite also, and 2mo goin out with my son. Hope ur New Year is brilliant, 3 degrees below 2nite, dont think I will b cycling in the morning, should b ok 4 an indoor workout 2mo, hope my aching body is better. HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. Love Jean.xx
Hi Cyril, went cycling 2day as I was too sore for indoor workout, tried to do some of DANNY’S MOVES, could’nt pull it of tho. HAPPY AND HEALTH NEW YEAR, and we will take it up a notch in 2010. Jeanx