top of page
Search
Writer's pictureBen

Why Ideal Weight Charts are Trash



With a quick google search, you can find charts that tell you how much you should weigh based on your height. Along with the ideal weight which will often be a range there will also be a column showing your BMI or Body Mass Index. Your height and weight are used to determine your BMI.


These charts create huge issues and give people the idea that they are potentially obese and need to lose weight when in fact they are at a perfectly healthy weight or maybe just need to lose a few pounds. Here is an example. I am 5'6" tall and weigh roughly 183lbs. Based on the NIH body mass index chart if I looked up those numbers my BMI would be between 29 and 30. This would put me at the end of the overweight category to the beginning of the obese category. Now I may need to lose a few pounds but I am not even close to obese.


These charts do not factor in your body fat percentage. Body fat percentage is the percentage of your overall weight which is fat. This is a huge determining factor in whether you are obese or not. Someone 5'6" tall weighing 185lbs with 35% body fat will look much different than someone who is 5'6" tall at the same weight with 15% body fat. Your body composition is much more important than your BMI.


My tip to you is to ignore BMI but if you are worried about whether or not you're overweight/obese based on finding your BMI make sure you do some more digging before you start taking drastic steps.


If you need help getting your nutrition on track whether it be to lose a few pounds or gain some muscle feel free to send me a message!


Comments


bottom of page