Question:
What would be a healthy BMI for me?

I'm wondering why all of the people I work with are telling me, "Girl, you don't need to lose no more wright". You'll look like malnutrition pretty soon". I'm thinking for the most part, some may actually be a little jealous?? Some won't even TALK to me, roll their eyes, and whisper behind my back. It's really funny. My reply is "I intend to be healthy, and have chosen to strive toward a healthy BMI which is around 21-23 at my height of 5'2". Isn't this a good range?    — yourdivaness (posted on February 27, 2003)

February 27, 2003
Yeah I think that range is just right. I'm 5'1" and I'm shooting for the same range. Ok so on to the other part of your question/comment.... It does sound like you got some jealous people on your hands. But you have a good head on your shoulders (from what I've read). Just don't let them get to you. You are doing great!!! And whatever comments they have for you, it all really boils down to how YOU feel. When they make comments like that to you, just smile..kill'm with kindness....Best of luck to you..aims
   — chickiewickie

February 27, 2003
Diva, the BMI range that corresponds to "normal" or healthy weight is 18.5 - 24.9. That remains constant for everyone. What changes is each person's weight at that healthy BMI (because the height changes). And yes 21 - 23 is within healthy range. At 5'2" you can go anywhere from 115 - 132 to be within that BMI range. For me at 5'7", my range would be 135 - 155. But remember, people are used to seeing you overweight, they are comparing how you look now to what you used to look like and that's probably a pretty big difference. What you need to point out to them is they need to compare you to someone who is near your goal. Although, actually they don't need to compare you at all, it's none of their business!! But, being human, you know that's what they're doing! Good Luck. A BMI of 21-24 is normal and if that's your goal, go for it.
   — Ali M

February 27, 2003
EVERYBODY tells me I am losing way too much weight and that I should stop. I also want to have a BMI of around 23. Right now, my BMI is 25.2, which is considered overweight. In my case, it is definitely not jealousy from most of the people who say it. They really mean well. I can actually understand what they are talking about. I have lost so much weight so fast that my face looks really gaunt and my eyes look a little bit sunken. If they were just looking at me from the waist down, I am sure they would not think I was getting too thin. I think my face looked it's best when I was still about 50 pounds overweight! With time, I am sure my face will fill in a bit and I will start to look better. But, that is no reason to stop at an overweight BMI! I have found that throughout this weight loss thing, the best thing I can do is just to say yes to people. I intend to lose those last few pounds. When people ask, I just tell them that I have finished losing and drop the subject. It's not worth the time to argue. I didn't listen to their well meaning advice when I was fat and I don't listen to it now that I am thin. My body, my business!
   — Julie S.

February 27, 2003
I can relate. Some people..and especially my mother keep asking me how much more I intend to lose. They think I am going to far or something. But I think I am still quite healthy looking Perfect, in fact. And as far as those charts go...I have a current BMI of 24.4 at 151 pounds (I am 5'6"). I could weigh as little as 115 and still be considered normal! Not that I want to weigh that little. What's important is that you are healthy and the YOU FEEL like you look good. I think your goal is perfect. Nevermind what others have to say. Keep saying what you say. It's good. BEst Wishes!
   — PaulaM

February 28, 2003
I don't use the BMI as a judge of how much I should weigh. I use how I look, and what clothing size I am in. So, whatever weight that is, is what it is. I'm one who thinks that the BMI levels for normal are ridiculously low. Did you know, that with those standards, which do not take into account muscle weight, my body builder husband with very little fat on his body is considered overweight? So is Tom Cruise! As for the friends whispering, that would make me happy! Yes, they are jealous..so what? You are going to be looking so fine....smile and ignore the comments.
   — Cindy R.