The Weight Loss Thread

Adjusted my progress in my signature to when I really started. The 188 lbs was from when I had joined MFP.com but wasn't from the real beginning. Seeing the "16" helps me to really see how well I have done and makes me more sure that the 22 pounds still left will be taken cared of. Especially since I've already done so well.
 
I calculated my body fat percentage which is at 24%-25.4%. Ideal for me would be 17% or less. According to the World Health Organization I would be classified as overweight or obese currently. BMI puts me at overweight at 27.7. I have a medium frame, so I deal weight is 145-157. Just been looking things up... a lot. Comparing them too...

No one indicator should be used alone; like just the BMI or just your body fat %. I take all of them into consideration when it comes to measuring my health, and most doctors measure health using these as their basis too. I'm at risk of diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, stroke, and even some forms of cancer. I'm glad I'm on my way down. I never want to get back here.
 
BMI doesn't calculate muscle mass. According to BMI, power lifters are considered obese xD
 
Ring said:
BMI doesn't calculate muscle mass. According to BMI, power lifters are considered obese xD
Click to expand...
Yep. That's true. Even going by body fat % can be erroneous for some as some 'thin' people can have a high body fat percentage because of lack of muscle and still be at risk for heart disease. Or people considered "underfat" (less than 8%), like athletes, are looked at as being at risk of heart problems when they have high calorie intake and are fit. Thing is, these are extremes. Things like BMI and body fat percentage does apply for the majority of average persons who are young adults.

For me, I'm not particularly muscular, never have been and am considered medium frame, so things like BMI and BFP would more than likely apply to me. =\
 
Well, I think body fat percentage is a better way to measure things in general than BMI. It can tell you how are you gonna look at certain BFP whereas BMI won't tell you anything. Even having more than average muscle mass and average BF could easily put you in the "overweight" category, which is ridiculous.

There is a problem, though. Wereas the BMI is easy and convenient to calculate, BFP is VERY difficult to measure accurately at home. The results can vary a lot... to my knowledge the most accurate method is the hydrostatic body fat testing but from what I know it's expensive (but I guess it's worth because it will also tell you how much lean body mass you have, not only fat). The skin fold testing or online calculators will almost never give you the correct answer.
 
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