Six foot tall and just short of 17 stone, BMI says well obese. Therefore I am obese, the only thing is I don't feel obese? I mean I'm broad shouldered, granted a bit tubby in the mid section and generally not a small guy. I'm definitely no stranger to a pork pie and an ale or two. But I'm also very active, I go to the gym on a regular basis, run a mile and half in just under 11 minutes and 3 miles comfortably under 25 minutes. Granted I'm no superman, but I like to think I'm fairly fit. Maybe it's just an incorrect image I have of obesity but when I think of an obese man I think of a man who is very rolly polly, often spherical in shape and not too nibble. Maybe that is me and I'm delusional. Don't get me wrong I'm very comfortable and happy with my body as it is. I just struggle agree with the label obese, overweight granted, but I don't see myself as obese. I wonder is my problem as result of false interpretation/stereotypes of what obese people look like and the connotations that come with that label? Is my self image delusional? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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There are a lot of issues with the BMI system and it should only be used as a very rough guide rather than a strict standard. I low plenty of guys who are obese on the index and are in exceptional shape, hell I'm overweight according to it  |
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By *elnkazCouple
over a year ago
cheshire |
Bmi is the biggest load of bull that some person in nhs was paid to come up with to excuse the obesity crisis. ,I’ve seen very tall people that are slim with a bmi of 33. Classed as obese. . Pathetic. .k |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Bmi is the biggest load of bull that some person in nhs was paid to come up with to excuse the obesity crisis. ,I’ve seen very tall people that are slim with a bmi of 33. Classed as obese. . Pathetic. .k"
Totally agree. I was 6'2.. and 15 and a half stone. So by the chart i had a bmi of about 27, which was classed as obese. At the time my bodyfat percentage was under 10%.. which is extremely lean.
Going by the bmi chart, a prime arnold schwarzenegger would have been about 40-50bmi.. or morbidly obese.  |
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If BMI is a crock, why are so many institutions obsessed with it? My kids school is obsessed with it and in the later days of my forces career recording BMI was done with the fitness test (which I didn't understand because to me what matters is simply that you can comfortably pass). I only thought about it today when I did a swimming calculator and it asked for my bmi. When it said obese I was like WTF! I know I'm overweight and not as fit as I used to be but Obese? When I think obese I think of the likes of John Candy. No issue with obesity, just I wouldn't have associated that label with my self, I don't feel obese. |
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By *hilloutMan
over a year ago
All over the place! Northwesr, , Southwest |
I don't understand why BMI is still in use either. They continue to use that measurement as a barrier for potential surgery. Most trusts fir instance, won't do joint replacements for anyone with a BMI over 35. |
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"For small deviations I get it, but tbh if you're obese then you're obese, it's not a feeling it's a measurement......
(I'm sucking my belly in)"
Yes I get that in terms of medical categorisation. It's more the image/stereotype associated with that measurement that I don't feel I fits me (like I said maybe I'm delusional). |
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By *hunky GentMan
over a year ago
Maldon and Peterborough |
I'm a bit bigger than you (21 stone).
I'm told I carry it well.
I could do with losing 5 or 6 stone, but I'm comfortable with myself.
What I'm saying is be who you want. If you want to eat pork pies and drink beer then do it. Live your life as you want.
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By *yrdsisWoman
over a year ago
Gleam Street |
It's very much a thing they've gotten hold of which will change soon.
I'm obese.
I'm 5'10 and just over 13 1/2 stone.
What the obese scale refuses to see is that is mostly... some donuts.. muscle...yes I have a jelly belly... but they dont realise I got that from losing weight and its just stretched skin |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Anyone who knows anything knows that it doesn't work for athletic people. So chill your beans. For those that don't keep fit it's a good guide. I'm in the overweight category and rightly so. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"For small deviations I get it, but tbh if you're obese then you're obese, it's not a feeling it's a measurement......
(I'm sucking my belly in)
Yes I get that in terms of medical categorisation. It's more the image/stereotype associated with that measurement that I don't feel I fits me (like I said maybe I'm delusional)."
You're you, if you're happy with that then you dont have a problem buddy. It's just a number or a label on a sliding scale. If a person wasn't happy though then maybe that number could give them a focus and motivation to change, if thats what they wanted? 
DWBH  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The trouble is because so much of the population is overweight we are delusional about what a healthy weight looks like. "
Was just about to right exactly this!! I'm afraid the majority of people are actually over weight full stop! |
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By *eliWoman
over a year ago
. |
"The trouble is because so much of the population is overweight we are delusional about what a healthy weight looks like. "
 This is true. I'm quite clearly fat. Proper fat. But people say I carry a couple of extra pounds and nonsense like that. A healthy weight isn't my current one (I'm working on it blahblahblah) |
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To be honest the "spherical in shape" image you're thinking of sounds more like morbidly obese to me. I've been obese and I was only a couple or stone heavier than I should have been.
I'm currently just tipping into the overweight category but then I have big boobs, a big bum and muscular thighs. My GP said that by my waist measurement he isn't really worried about my weight in terms of my health but then I am only about 2 pounds into the overweight category and if I lost half a stone to be well into the healthy range, I would be far from underweight. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Im massively obese according to the bmi but i go gym 5 days a week do pure cardio for 2 hours of 3 of them days and weights the other 2 and then watch me on the rugby pitch and try telling me im obese |
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The BMI chart is well out of date ,it was used durring the war in hospitals as we know the diet was different then ,not like today we are all built different now and eat a lot of unhealthy food ,it needs to be updated. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Muscle weights heavier than fat. You should have a body composition analysis done "
.
Of course it doesn't. However, muscle does have a greater density than fat, meaning it takes up less volume than an equal amount of fat. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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For the average, normal person the BMI chart works ... everyone shouts it doesn't more because they can't get their head around their own personal score! The only group of people that it doesn't work for are athletes and fit people and that's it!!
Like the lady said earlier above, most people are overweight ...
It was designed for and is used to collate information on huge amounts of people/populations easily and there for works as noone has time to do individual proportion calculations, so people just need to get over it really
Simples tbh we are facing the fact that for years now the average age we die has remained stationary and now it's starting to decrease for the first time ever ... the next generation to mine is predicted to not increase the old age at all and the one after is predicted to actually not live as long as their parents thus lowering the old age, just because of the weight we're getting whether we like it or not
We can all argue that BMI doesn't work but we're all getting heavier and unfortunately this is having an awful effect on our health as a consequence
The facts are all their for anyone to find from all European government websites, lots of other countries and from the World Health Organisation and I wrote a paper on it for Level 6 Health Promotion for all that love arguing facts, seriously look it up it's actually fascinating
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Six foot tall and just short of 17 stone, BMI says well obese. Therefore I am obese, the only thing is I don't feel obese? I mean I'm broad shouldered, granted a bit tubby in the mid section and generally not a small guy. I'm definitely no stranger to a pork pie and an ale or two. But I'm also very active, I go to the gym on a regular basis, run a mile and half in just under 11 minutes and 3 miles comfortably under 25 minutes. Granted I'm no superman, but I like to think I'm fairly fit. Maybe it's just an incorrect image I have of obesity but when I think of an obese man I think of a man who is very rolly polly, often spherical in shape and not too nibble. Maybe that is me and I'm delusional. Don't get me wrong I'm very comfortable and happy with my body as it is. I just struggle agree with the label obese, overweight granted, but I don't see myself as obese. I wonder is my problem as result of false interpretation/stereotypes of what obese people look like and the connotations that come with that label? Is my self image delusional? "
the scale befits the average person we are not all average I'm above average, as long as you feel ok with your life thats what counts but if your health is affected that's when you need to change things  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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People use the word obesity like it’s a very bad thing
I do like a chunky monkey man and don’t care how roly-poly he is.
I’m am a tad heightist though, can’t be doing being seen with guys my height that are thinner than me (most are) or worst being judged by others as the ‘tubby two’!
Anyways I’d rather meet a guy who works on his mental health than his muscles and is someone who understands the importance of treating others with respect.
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"The BMI chart is well out of date ,it was used durring the war in hospitals as we know the diet was different then ,not like today we are all built different now and eat a lot of unhealthy food ,it needs to be updated. "
So we should change the bmi to suit our unhealthy lifestyles? Wouldn’t it be better to change the unhealthy lifestyle to suit the bmi |
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By *ocbigMan
over a year ago
Birmingham |
"The BMI chart is well out of date ,it was used durring the war in hospitals as we know the diet was different then ,not like today we are all built different now and eat a lot of unhealthy food ,it needs to be updated. "
Whilst I accept that BMI is a blunt instrument, as any catch all type of statistical measure, it is basically correct for a majority of the population & gives a guide as to a better height to weight ratio & taken with other factors can be used to achieve better health outcomes. In isolation it is of limited use. However changing it because we are 'built differently' & 'eat a lot of unhealthy foods' seems like an argument to keep it, rather than change it, you can't change the definition of overweight/obese because more people fit into it who perhaps feel they shouldn't...mostly as it is viewed in isolation. |
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My GP told me recently that your waist measurement in proportion to your height is a good indicator for your risk of obesity related cardiovascular disease. It tends to work better than BMI for muscular people and also unfortunatley some people can be genetically unlucky and carry most of of their weight around their waist and BMI wouldn't always indicate their risk accurately if they were small everywhere else. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Yes but it looks like you body fat composition is probably a little in the low side, you’re all muscle and no reserves.
I have the opposite problem. "
That is right and yes, it is strange aint it, how different it could be? |
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By *os19Man
over a year ago
Edmonton |
5 feet 10 inches in height and 15 and a half stone weight is classed as obese.These were also Mike Tyson height and weight in his prime.Who the hell is going to tell Mike Tyson then or now Yo Mike you were obese when you were champ.Not me |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I don’t buy into all that. I’ve had years of idiots trying to worry me because my daughter was too far over their stupid line for her age! She’s tall like me! She’s a big girl but never been fat. I think all that is wrong and unnecessary. |
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That’s a different thing, isn’t that venture growth charts?
But again, it’s a blunt tool used by people who perhaps aren’t deep thinkers. They’re just using a tracker and a chart.
It tends to unfairly penalise more athletic young people who grow faster and put on more muscle. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"That’s a different thing, isn’t that venture growth charts?
But again, it’s a blunt tool used by people who perhaps aren’t deep thinkers. They’re just using a tracker and a chart.
It tends to unfairly penalise more athletic young people who grow faster and put on more muscle. "
Yeah similar though. I’m classed as obese. I could do with losing a bit but I wouldnt say I’m obese! |
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I find it broadly useful for myself, but don't beat myself up over it.
It's when doctors have a go because I'm high level overweight, I describe my diet and gym routine, and they back pedal *so fast*. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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BMI was created when everyone was different sizes (as in height) also at that time rationing was still going on after the war, and we didn’t really have much in the way of fast food.
Whilst people are bigger generally now, the average has remained where it was 60 years ago.
Look at photos on the net at people from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s they were tiny compared to us.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Couldn’t care less about bmi.
We’re all going to die !!
Nobody is immortal.
As long as you’re happy, and fit enough to do the things you personally want to do, just live your life.
Even the people going to the gym every single day, eating perfectly and running up mountains will die one day. But if it makes them happy, then great.
If you’re too big to live the life you want to live, or it makes you sad, lose weight.
BMI is a measuring tool. That’s all. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Couldn’t care less about bmi.
We’re all going to die !!
Nobody is immortal.
As long as you’re happy, and fit enough to do the things you personally want to do, just live your life.
Even the people going to the gym every single day, eating perfectly and running up mountains will die one day. But if it makes them happy, then great.
If you’re too big to live the life you want to live, or it makes you sad, lose weight.
BMI is a measuring tool. That’s all. "
Fit people have died running marathons.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I’m 13 stone 5ft 7 and according to bmi obese....My doctors exact words were ignore bmi it’s outdated and needs to be scrapped ...."
Tut tut it is supposed to be used with professional judgement |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"BMI was created when everyone was different sizes (as in height) also at that time rationing was still going on after the war, and we didn’t really have much in the way of fast food.
Whilst people are bigger generally now, the average has remained where it was 60 years ago.
Look at photos on the net at people from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s they were tiny compared to us.
"
Bigger as in taller? BMI takes that into consideration. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Muscle weights heavier than fat. You should have a body composition analysis done .
Of course it doesn't. However, muscle does have a greater density than fat, meaning it takes up less volume than an equal amount of fat."
I'm glad someone said it. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think if you took mr or miss average fabber then they will be obese so I dont get why ppl keep stating it here tbh. Thin ppl haven't bothered I see, probs coz they'd be torn a new bumhole or maybe because there aren't many..... |
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It's a double layer of interpretations that is the issue. An outdated broad brush assessment tool and your own estimation of the tools output.
Investigation of the tool and appropriate methodologies for physical health, including weight, can mean you improve your reactivate response. |
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BMI is pretty much bullshit at this stage..
Obese has no definitive number but carrying extra fat and overweight then that certainly can be counted as obese.. I think the line for obese gets moved along with time as we get fatter as a whole.. |
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BMI is a cheap effective way for the NHS to guage if we're carrying too much weight. I am obese by BMI and tbh I can see that by looking in the mirror. It's an easy way for professionals to bring up weight without saying you need to loose a bit of weight just by looking at you as this can lead to confrontation and upset. |
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As others have said BMI has its flaws and should only be a general rough guide but it's also hard to see inner fat especially in men.
You know the typical beer belly you see on old men? That's actually solid fat around their organs. It's referred to as apple obesity. This kind of fat is the worst for our health but luckily it's easier to get rid of.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"BMI is pretty much bullshit at this stage..
Obese has no definitive number but carrying extra fat and overweight then that certainly can be counted as obese.. I think the line for obese gets moved along with time as we get fatter as a whole.. "
Not bullshit!
Clinical labels are not moved along, just more classifications as obese, such obese I, obese II, and III. I wonder when IV will come along. |
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"BMI is pretty much bullshit at this stage..
Obese has no definitive number but carrying extra fat and overweight then that certainly can be counted as obese.. I think the line for obese gets moved along with time as we get fatter as a whole..
Not bullshit!
Clinical labels are not moved along, just more classifications as obese, such obese I, obese II, and III. I wonder when IV will come along. "
It pretty much is, all it measures is height and weight, someone could easily be 29bmi and have a body fat % of 10.. it makes no sense |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Six foot tall and just short of 17 stone, BMI says well obese. Therefore I am obese, the only thing is I don't feel obese? I mean I'm broad shouldered, granted a bit tubby in the mid section and generally not a small guy. I'm definitely no stranger to a pork pie and an ale or two. But I'm also very active, I go to the gym on a regular basis, run a mile and half in just under 11 minutes and 3 miles comfortably under 25 minutes. Granted I'm no superman, but I like to think I'm fairly fit. Maybe it's just an incorrect image I have of obesity but when I think of an obese man I think of a man who is very rolly polly, often spherical in shape and not too nibble. Maybe that is me and I'm delusional. Don't get me wrong I'm very comfortable and happy with my body as it is. I just struggle agree with the label obese, overweight granted, but I don't see myself as obese. I wonder is my problem as result of false interpretation/stereotypes of what obese people look like and the connotations that come with that label? Is my self image delusional? the scale befits the average person we are not all average I'm above average, as long as you feel ok with your life thats what counts but if your health is affected that's when you need to change things "
this  |
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Just done the 'test'
I know I could do with shedding a few pounds and am quite muscular yet I got a bmi of 22.
Likewise, I know whilst my diet is not bad it could be a lot better. Yet I had a recent cholesterol check and I got 2.7
Could it be that these measures have already been politically managed and 'acceptable' levels are actually still dangerously high.
Although that then makes me worried about my 'high-ish' blood pressure and my wine drinking which is six times the recommended limit..... and I don't consider myself as a drinker!!!!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"BMI is pretty much bullshit at this stage..
Obese has no definitive number but carrying extra fat and overweight then that certainly can be counted as obese.. I think the line for obese gets moved along with time as we get fatter as a whole..
Not bullshit!
Clinical labels are not moved along, just more classifications as obese, such obese I, obese II, and III. I wonder when IV will come along.
It pretty much is, all it measures is height and weight, someone could easily be 29bmi and have a body fat % of 10.. it makes no sense"
It doesn't take into account increased or decreased muscle mass and bone density but professional judgement should. |
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"BMI is pretty much bullshit at this stage..
Obese has no definitive number but carrying extra fat and overweight then that certainly can be counted as obese.. I think the line for obese gets moved along with time as we get fatter as a whole..
Not bullshit!
Clinical labels are not moved along, just more classifications as obese, such obese I, obese II, and III. I wonder when IV will come along.
It pretty much is, all it measures is height and weight, someone could easily be 29bmi and have a body fat % of 10.. it makes no sense
It doesn't take into account increased or decreased muscle mass and bone density but professional judgement should. "
Yep exactly.. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My boobage alone makes me obese  seriously though BMI is a guide only, yes I’m overweight but my so called target weight is ridiculous. You sound healthy and look great OP. Incidentally stress (e.g. worrying about health) is a bigger killer than weight. Live life to the full that is the healthiest thing you can do  |
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