Question:
Skin and bones, but BMI says overweight?
Should I forget about it? What is the deal? My bones can't be 25 pounds heavier than someone else my size, can they? I'm 5"8" and 180lbs and a size 10. Anyone experience this? — Debby M. (posted on February 2, 2004)
February 1, 2004
What I was told is that skeletons are more dense because they had to
support a lot more weight for a period of time.
— Cathy S.
February 1, 2004
I AM GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING RIGHT NOW. I AM ALSO 5'8 AND WEIGH 169
POUNDS AND THE BMI CALCULATOR SAYS THAT I AM STILL OVERWEIGHT BUT ONLY BY
.8. YA!!!! I WOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT. WE ARE ALL SO MUCH HEALTHIER NOW.
HANG IN THERE. CHRISTY (RNY 10/21/02 DOWN 215POUNDS)
— CHRISTY F.
February 1, 2004
Its our bones and lower body muscles. Both very well developed to carry
around all that weight. Muscle is lots heavier than fat. Plus if you are
exercsing lean muscle weighs a lot.
— bob-haller
February 1, 2004
If you are comfortable at that size, then who cares what the charts say.
You might also lose a bit of weight, and size, after your tummy tuck and
thigh lift. Good luck!
— eaamc
February 2, 2004
You have more muscle than skinny people from carrying around weight for a
while. It should thin out of it you don't need it. But if you look good,
don't worry about the #s.
— mrsmyranow
February 2, 2004
I have seen a plastic surgeon (approved for a breast reduction) March 23,
(also self-paying for upper arm 'angel wing' reduction) - Until I had seen
the surgeon, my goal was to lose 10-15 more pounds ( I weigh 135-141 and I
am 5'3-3/4" (not 5'4" - that was the clincher on insurance paying
for breast reduction - under 5'4" they can remove less tissue) - the
charts have me right in there at the border line, according to the surgeon,
just my excess skin and tissue that will NOT come off with weightloss, he
said that I need to figure my actual weight to be about 115-125, due to
bone density varying. Well, that just made my day. I no longer focus on
the scale, it's all about how I feel. (I still have a hard time SEEING what
I look like). I wear a size 8 jean and size small shirts - with a tummy
tuck the Dr thinks I would be a 4-6 jean - I could wear a 6 now, but there
is too much skin hanging in the tummy area to pull my pants up. The scale
for us is no longer valid unless you are just using it to keep an eye on
maintainance. Our bones weigh more and we have more skin an tissue. I
would also check through local clinics and see if you can be weighed under
water, it gives you a very accurate rate of lean body mass to fat, and will
give you the best info as to wether you should put the brakes on the weight
loss. Best of luck to you!
— Dana B.
February 2, 2004
You're lucky. I'm 5ft 8 167lbs and in a size 18
— Sandy A.
February 2, 2004
Hi :) I can relate....I'm 5'9" and weigh 171 lbs. I was down to around
166, but then had a bounce-back and have stayed at this weight for months
now. I work out three times a week at the "Y" and eat whatever I
want, so I'm trying to just be happy with being healthy and smaller than I
was. I DO have a lot of muscle, so I know that's part of it. I wear a size
10 or 12 depending on the cut, and I would LOVE to get down to an 8, but I
think I'd really have to starve myself and I'm not willing to do that. SO,
I'm trying to ignore the BMI charts, remember how far I've come (lost 100
lbs.) and be grateful to be fit and healthy and feel good!!! :0) Us tall
gals will usually weigh more than the petite ladies anyway, so just love
yourself and be grateful, ok? Take care! :)
— michelle T.
February 2, 2004
I feel the same way. I think it has a lot to do with how long you were
obese. I have been big all my life. My bones are peeking out through my
chest and I am 190 and 5'9". My doctor originally set my goal weight
at 180. But based on how I am losing I will probably settle at about 165 or
so. This is still considered overweight on the bmi, but I know I am going
to look extremely thin. As I am starting to see it now. My upper body is
very small 10-12 and my bottom is larger size 12-14. I am sure that this is
due to the dense bones, muscle and excess skin on my body.
— keishax
February 2, 2004
While BMI is a guide, there are many things BMI doesn't take into
consideration (it's just based on Height and weight) It doesn't allow for
frame size, bodyfat percentage, bone density, the weight of extra skin,
etc. <br><br> Why don't you go have your bodyfat tested? I
would think that would be a better indicator if you have more to lose or
not.
— Patricia T.
February 2, 2004
Hi, Not sure what the answer is to this question but I am
5 feet 0 inches, and my weight is 132. I wear a size 2-4 in jeans depending
on how they are made, and a small to medium top. At the gym they say I have
a 33 BMI, with 44% body fat. Go figure. Good luck to all.
— betterfitness
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