The BMI Conspiracy

[Silver]

Me at around 175, being 5'10".

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I am clearly overweight. The only way I am not overweight is when I am between 130-140 pounds.

[Captain Colostomy]

When I was in the Army, I was 6'3" 245lbs. BMI is 30.6. I had six pack abs and 18" biceps. Now, at the same height and weight, the Pillsbury Dough Boy giggles when poking me.

I'm liking the conspiracy aspect.

[pineapplebunnybounce]

BMI doesn't take into account how many % fat/muscle you have. So it's just not a good measure. But it's better than telling people 30% fat is unhealthy, or whatever it is, because most people don't know how to measure that. As long as BMI is used with its limitations clearly stated, I don't see a problem. Anyways, for those losing weight, measurements work better than weight, especially if you train muscle.

Edit: btw, what is or isn't overweight is really culturally dependent. In asia, the moment I have a muffin top over my jeans people would tell me I need to lose weight. In canada, I'm constantly being told I need to eat more, although I will admit that I've lost a lot of weight the last 2 years. But BMI of 19. My size in asia is normal, not even skinny, I was there last year and saw many who were skinnier. In canada though, I'm constantly told to eat more, which I do find annoying.

I think BMI goes according to what is considered medically overweight? Which means your chances of getting one of those fat related diseases are increased?

[Dena]

I am clearly overweight. The only way I am not overweight is when I am between 130-140 pounds.

That is your personal preference. Our personal preference doesn't dictate the most optimal weights for a person of our size.

Having body fat doesn't mean you are too fat. I think of a man of your height would be very thin at 130lbs. Apparently you think it's a perfectly reasonable amount of body fat. None of this means BMI is a conspiracy.

[Rev. Rye]

Here's a major illustration of the problem.
Look at this guy. He's 5'10" and McDonald's makes up most of his diet. He thinks playing Guitar Hero counts as strenuous exercise because you have to stand up. As you can see, his man-boobs are so big he has to start wearing a bra (though, to his credit, he got some that fit better). How much do you think he weighs?

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http://youtu.be/e9eT2CLp5pc
Spoiler Alert: 216 lbs. You thought it was more, didn't you?

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[Captain Colostomy]

Here's a major illustration of the problem.
Look at this guy. He's 5'10" and McDonald's makes up most of his diet. He thinks playing Guitar Hero counts as strenuous exercise because you have to stand up. As you can see, his man-boobs are so big he has to start wearing a bra (though, to his credit, he got some that fit better). How much do you think he weighs?

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http://youtu.be/e9eT2CLp5pc
Spoiler Alert: 216 lbs. You thought it was more, didn't you?

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Screw that. Why does he have a pink baby's mobile on his shelf? (Upper left corner of that pic)?

[Creed of Heresy]

Why did Christian Weston Chandler have to enter into this. *pukes* DX

[NoraBrimstone]

So you look "overweight" but you're still within a weight range that isn't actually unhealthy for you. So you're not overweight, you're oversized. Or something.

[Chas]

Not a conspiracy, just pseudo-science. BMI is is no more useful than a horoscope.

[5thHorseman]

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obes...micalc.htm

According to this, for my height of 5'10" I am at a healthy current weight between 170 and 180.

According to that, it is now healthy to be overweight.

I do powerlifting. According to BMI charts im obese. I'd bet my life that my bodyfat% is the lowest on this site.

I hate that medical people use BMI, it's horseshit based on an 'average' person with a certain build. Bodyfat% is the real marker of health.