Home BMI calculations

[eks6426]

My work had a health screening for employees. If we did it, we got a discount on health insurance. So, I did it. Very depressing. I knew I was needing to loose weight but one of the calculations really thru me off. They calculated the BMI by hooking up an electrode to my foot and to my hand...then checking to see how fast the current flows. This lovely machine gave me a BMI of YIKES 35.7! But if I use the standard height/weight calculations all over the internet...it comes to 26.5 which is overweight a little but nothing like 35.7. I''m not sure what to think...I''d assume that the electrode method is more accurate but man, I''ve got problems if that''s the case. Even the girl who administered the test couldn''t believe it--she did it again even. If you look at me you''d think, "she could use to loose a few" but not "Oh, my gosh, she''s super fat & obese."

I''m just very depressed now.

 

[LitigatorChick]

I''m no doctor, but BMI is crap!!! I come in at 17.5 (underweight). I have had weight issues since my pregnancy (i.e., keeping it on), and my doctor says I should not lose more weight, but I am not underweight! Yeesh!

 

[Independent Gal]

I would talk to your doctor. It's quite possible that the machine wasn't working quite right or that the technician didn't do it properly. Unless you're realllllly small boned, I can't imagine that the machine BMI and the calculation BMI could be that far off!

ARE you really small boned?

Another thought, could that electrode have been measuring your % body fat, rather than BMI? Or are those the same thing?

 

[KimberlyH]

Hi Island,

Experiences such as yours can be quite a blow to the ego, and make it hard to get motivated. So if you''ve decided it''s time to do something about those extra pounds forget what that nasty machine said, decide to make some small changes to your eating habits and lifestyle (no more soda, one less snack a day, taking your son for a 30 minute walk each afternoon, etc.) and implement them. It can be daunting at first, but once you get into a groove and see progress you''ll feel better about yourself, focus less on that number, and be focused on what really matters, how healthy you are and good you feel not a random number.

Chin up!

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 2/29/2008 11:22:17 AM
Author: Independent Gal


Another thought, could that electrode have been measuring your % body fat, rather than BMI? Or are those the same thing?

Not the same thing, and a likely guess, IG!

 

[turtledazzle]

Date: 2/29/2008 11:25:52 AM
Author: KimberlyH

Date: 2/29/2008 11:22:17 AM
Author: Independent Gal


Another thought, could that electrode have been measuring your % body fat, rather than BMI? Or are those the same thing?

Not the same thing, and a likely guess, IG!

This is exactly what I was thinking. I have never heard of using electrodes to measure BMI. Electrodes are usually used to estimate percentage of body fat -- this is how those body fat scales estimate body fat (in the case of the scale, the two electrodes are where you place your feet). The impedance between the two electrodes gives an estimate of body fat.

So, I am guessting that 35.7 number is your estimated body fat percentage.

 

[Jas12]

My guess is maybe that was a Body Fat indicator--not BMI. I have not heard of BMI being calculated that way--it''s done simply with a chart in most cases.

Keep in mind that BMI is just a tool--and not a great one at that. When i took my personal training certification courses we were told to use this measurement as a rough guide, coupled with other tools.
My DH is a perfect example of a bad BMI subject. He is not overly tall (5''10) and is solidly built (i.e. thick wrists, ankles, bones in general) He is in amazing shape--works in trades all day, super physically demanding labor, plus hits the gym regularly. To see him you would think ''buff''. He is well muscled, the ''six pack'' and all....his BMI says he is hovering on obese!!!! Obviously it can''t account for all body types/muscle mass etc..

Go see a good trainer or your Dr. to get a better idea of how much weight you should/need to loose, and don''t stress about it in the mean-time.

 

[eks6426]

Ok, IGal...thanks for pointing out that BMI is not the same as body fat...I went back and looked at the packet of info they gave me and the test did indeed calculate the % of body fat. It says that body fat should be between 16 and 25% for women. So, I am over 10% higher than I should be.

The paperwork says I need to build more lean muscle mass in addition to loosing weight. That to me means not only do I need to diet and do cardio work but I probably need to lift weights.

Anyone experienced in increasing lean muscle mass? I can manage the diet. I did Weight Watchers online and that does work so I''ll do that again. Exercise is super hard. I''d love to take a walk with my son after work...it''s just super hard to do when there is 18" of snow on the ground and the sidewalks are treacherous. Exercise in the spring/summer/early fall is much easier. I am probably 2 months away from decent outside weather....

 

[Erin]

All women should lift weights.
We usually don''t have a strong core of muscles - back and stomach - and do most heavy tasks with our arms and legs. That can cause injuries.
So, yes, I agree you should lift weights but don''t just think arms and legs.
Perhaps try resistance bands. They''re affordable and the possibilities are endless if you''re creative, on what exercises you can do.

 

[Independent Gal]

Yes, lifting weights is a great way to lower the risk of bone trouble later in life, apparntly. Also, the more muscle you have, the faster you burn calories.

And re winter fun: how about getting you and your boy some SNOWSHOES! That is really so much fun and will lead to lots of giggles. Plus, it's excellent exercise. You can go to the park and track around. Or, cross country skis? Or skating? How old is your son again?

 

[kcoursolle]

BMI is just a simple weight/height calculation. Are you sure you didn''t have your body fat percentage calculated?

One of the ways to do this is with electric currents. If the currents flow slowly you have more fat, whereas muscle and water flows faster. 35% body fat is slightly overweight, but not grossly overweight or anything and a 35% body fat sounds like it would end up being in the mid-20''s for BMI calculations.

 

[kcoursolle]

Just read through the rest of the thread...looks like it was body fat %....

Lifting weights is really awesome for building muscle!! It has the added bonus of increased weight loss because it boosts matabolism pretty well.

 

[Mara]

Agree that it was body fat...that is how my trainer tests me for BF. BMI is just the internet calc that you did, it doesn''t require a test, and it''s just an estimate (and not even a fab one).

I am at about 21-22% BF after dropping ~2% in the last 4-5 months with the help of my trainer.

Eat mostly lean proteins, cut back on sugars, fats, processed white flour. I did a low-sugar diet for 2 weeks to jump start myself too. Lift weights, do muscle resistance training (using weight of your body to exercise aka squats with weights, pushups, abs), do some cardio for sure to burn fat...but don''t just do muscle or cardio. Do both. Diet is a huge part of it. I also started taking calcium magnesium supplements after reading multiple articles about how consuming 1000mg+ per day of calcium can help your body burn fat more effectively...you could drink a lot of fat free milk or just take a supplement. As an aging lady, I need calcium anyway since I don''t take a multi. This vitamin also has Vit D which is important for bone and muscle (many women are not getting enough Vit D and don''t even know it) and Vit E.

Anyway you CAN increase lean muscle mass but it''ll take work...probably the same work you will do to increase lean muscle mass is the work you would do to lose the weight you have been wanting to. So think of it as a two-fer!!!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi,

I started a great weight lifting video program last summer and it''s been great for increasing lean muscle. It''s the Jari Love one:

http://www.amazon.com/Get-Ripped-Jari-Love-Slim/dp/B000FBFUEK/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1204334758&sr=8-3

I use 5 and 8 pound weights 2 times per week and can tell the difference. . . plus taking L-glytamine powder (it''s the pure powder form - NOT with any sugar like most body builder formulas have. . .found at health food stores) and now I can kick butt just like Jennifer Garner in Alias!

 

[phoenixgirl]

I started doing The Firm a year ago (DVDs, 3, 5, and 8 lb. dumbbells, and a multipurpose step). That was all I did for exercise at first. Then I started walking, first two miles, then three, eventually up to six when I was off over the summer. Then in the fall I started running, first 1.5 miles, then 2, then 3, now I'm up to 5. I'm still doing The Firm and I haven't gotten bored yet. I have maybe ten DVDs that I rotate through pretty regularly. You could do The Firm or other DVDs at home and wouldn't have to worry about taking your son anywhere.

One thing I recommend if you're starting a workout program is to take "before" pictures and to measure your waist, hips, biceps, and thighs. That is a much truer indicator of your progress than your weight, especially if you're trying to gain muscle. As you gain muscle it might seem like you're not losing much weight until you realize, oh my gosh, I lost an inch on my stomach! My husband started working out at the beginning of January, and he looks so much different from that before picture now!

If you're interested in the Firm, I recommend getting theTransfirmer, which was their "Body Sculpting System 4," I believe. If you like it and stick with it, you can then buy DVDs for systems 1, 2, and 3 without buying any more equipment (except maybe the "sculpting stick" of system 2, but you can do mostly everything with dumbells instead). Their strategy is obviously to vary their equipment slightly every few years so that people keep buying new stuff, but the Transfirmer can be used easily for all of those. Their newest incarnation is the "Transfirmation System" which doesn't use a step at all. I don't think it was a good move because the step was what really made their workouts effective and different from other at home exercise programs.

A year ago when I pulled out my old Firm tape, I never thought I'd be running 5 miles a year later or wearing 3 sizes smaller. I just wanted to get in a little better shape. I thought I had five or ten pounds to lose, but then lost over twenty. That's just what my body did when I started treating it right. I feel SOOO much better now and can do so many things I couldn't do before. Just last weekend I climbed up into my attic for the first time (you have to hoist yourself up onto a dresser in the hall closet then pull yourself up into the hole in the attic floor/closet ceiling). When we looked at the house in December of 2006, I tried to get up there but knew I'd just throw my back out or pull a muscle, if I could even get up there at all. But last weekend I was bored and knew that it'd be no problem at all, so I popped up there when my husband wasn't even at home to save me if I got stuck. And visually, the weight-lifting has made a difference. I can see my shoulder and ab muscles, for example, which I couldn't before!

So make whatever little changes appeal to you now . . . all those little changes add up over time, and the more you improve your health, the more changes you want to make. The Weekly Workout Thread is a great place to keep up your motivation and read about what other people are doing as well.

Good luck!

 

[LitigatorChick]

All this weight lifting stuff is making me tired just reading it!!! My experience from friends and family is to drop a few of those killer items from your diet. My dad stopped drinking coke (that was it!) and he lost 10 pounds! I was at Starbucks yesterday and someone a lot overweight ordered a venti frappucino with whip. That has about a gazillion calories!!! Stick to the tall non-fat cappucino - less than 100 calories (or better yet, water). I just find these things are a lot easier than hitting the weights.

Just an idea!

 

[Anastasia]

This makes me think of something funny I read in the paper the other day. There is a syndicated column called Ask Dr.Gott where people write in with medical questions.

A woman wrote in and was worried about her BMI. But get this, she was NINETY (yes 90!) years old. I forget the actual numbers, but she wasn''t terribly heavy, and her BMI wasn''t that bad.

The doctor responded that BMI wasn''t an issue at her age. The whole thing made me hysterical. I told my husband that I''ll be happy to just be opening my eyes in the morning at 90!

Kudos to her for still taking care of herself, but it just struck me funny.

 

[Sparkster]

BMI can be very misleading. Remember, muscle weighs more than fat. It''s actually better to base it on waist measurement.

Taken directly from the Victorian Cancer Council website...

New research by The Cancer Council Victoria shows that a waist measurement of over 100 cm for men, and over 85 cm for women, increases the risk of:
colon cancer (in men)
some cancers of the lower oesophagus
aggressive prostate cancer
cancer of the uterus.

If your waist measurement is over 100 cm for men or 85 cm for women you may be carrying more than you need to.
You may be eating more than you need for your height and level of activity. Exercising more and eating a balanced diet are two of the best ways to stay within a healthy weight range and reduce the risk of cancer.

Why refer to waist measurement, rather than body mass index (BMI)?
The waistline measure is a better indication of fat distribution than BMI, which doesn''t provide an accurate measure of fat versus muscle mass. A waistline measurement provides a more accurate indication of fat, rather than muscle tissue.

Unfortunately, tall people cannot say "I''''m taller so I can have a bigger waistline." Sorry, folks, it doesn''t work like that....

 

[Mara]

Definitely dropping some of the killer calorie items from your diet will assist you but the only real way to increase 'lean muscle mass' is to decrease the fat you carry, and that is through exercise or muscle resistance. Sure, you can lose weight by changing diet, but that won't UP any muscle aka lean muscle mass. If you want to up the muscle in your body and burn fat, do more movement and yes, lift weights or do something that uses your body for resistance.

I absolutely LOVE what working out does for my body...it's not just about being thin or looking nice in clothes. I like having muscles and knowing I'm a strong, strapping woman! And I find that the more in shape I get, the more I like certain things, who would have thought I'd like doing pushups or ab work?!?! It's crazy for sure.

 

[phoenixgirl]

I must respectfully disagree with the advice not to do weight-training, which seemed to apply just to wanting to lose weight in general. Your question was how to build lead muscle mass, which a doctor or at least a health practitioner told you to do.

Here's why weight/strength/resistence training is important (in conjunction with cardio):

Muscle burns more calories, even at rest. It's true. Weight-training increases your metabolism.

After the age of 30-40, you will steadily lose muscle mass for the rest of your life unless you do resistence training. So it's not just that you should build muscle to be fit and strong, but you are literally losing a little bit more muscle every year unless you strength-train.

Weight-training also reduces your insulin resistence and therefore you risk of diabetes.

And, especially important for women, weight-training reduces the risk of bone loss/osteoporosis.

A strong upper body is also important for posture.

Increasing muscle mass will turn the tide of your muscle/fat ratio twice as fast as losing fat alone.

Lastly, weight-training reshapes your body. I used to have funny shaped legs. My high school boyfriend picked me out of a photo shot from very far away by saying, "This one has your legs." I basically had no calves and vaguely defined knees, so my legs went in a triangle from my ankles to my more ample thighs. Weight-training has made my calves build up so that they are now defined, in addition to all the other places where they've popped out.

If you begin exercising regularly, I think you'll find that a lot of people will make comments like, "But why? You don't need to exercise!" That's been my experience. What I want to say is, "Actually, everyone needs to exercise." Exercise isn't a means to an end of losing a few pounds. It's how we keep our bodies spry so that we can enjoy our lives. Maybe I should say that. But I think that what happens is that until you have a lightbulb moment like you've had about needing to get in shape, most people want to maintain the status quo. They don't like formerly plump friends suddenly becoming fitness godesses, reminding the non-exercisers that their mood, body shape, energy level, resistence to disease, etc. are not the best that they can be.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

About 5 years ago, I topped the scale at a whopping 267 pounds and wore a size 22...I am 5''3. Yep, I was morbidly obese and completely unhealthy. My weight issue stemmed from a lot of things...a bad relationship, a love of food, being bored. But, I was in horrible shape, and slowing killing myself. My body was little shutting down, and a series of health issues finally got me to take the problem seriously.

A year later, I weighed 145 pounds--I kicked a lot of the negativity out my life...including the scumbag boyfriend. I felt amazing, each pound was a liberation. At my lightest, which I achieved about about 6 months later, I was 130 pounds...at which point I treated myself to much needed and equally deserved tummy tuck.

I now walk around at 145 pounds, and the size I wear depends on where I am shopping. Am I still considered heavy or over my heights'' ideal weight? Sure. But do I feel great about my body? Always.

After losing my weight, I figured out that you cannot live your life by the scale or by BMI. It''s like fighting a losing battle. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you''re a gym junkie, you''re going to weigh in higher than if you just limit your portions at meals and avoid exercise. Ever heard of skinny fat? It exsists. I think that you should messure your weight at a personal level. How do you feel when you look in the mirror? Of course, most people have a flaw or two...but over all...how do you feel? How do your clothes fit? Are you comfortable in your skin? Those are things that matter, and that is the best way to stay on top of weight issues without being compulsive about it.

I have been "fat"...seriously. I am very sensitive to the way people who are obese feel, and I make a serious effort to never judge anyone--because each individual battle is personal...and that obese woman ordering her large starbucks is just like anyone else and shouldn''t be looked down upon. Mocking heavy people is the last acceptable form of discrimination...and it breaks my heart. Island, don''t let the BMI results depress you...use it at a starting point, and turn it around in a healthy way, everyone has a place to begin...this could be yours!

 

[LitigatorChick]

Just to be clear, I am not opposed to weight training - I was just specifying that there are some really easy changes to your diet that can have a big impact. I think it is easier for people to make these minor changes than hit the gym 5 times a week!!

 

[LitigatorChick]

It would be a good idea to see your doctor as well. Again, I speak from experience at the other side of the weight issue, but I went to my doctor, did some testing, and discovered that my thyroid had been in overdrive. It resolved naturally, but there may be something medical as well. At the very least, you will get some good advise.

 

[Jas12]

Have you tried classes at a gym? I''ve exercised my entire life and it''s just a non-negotiable thing i must do each day, but i don''t like doing it alone and weather is an issue for me as well (yep, 2 more months of the cold stuff!)...if i go out to run, walk, ski or swim i need a buddy. When i am at the gym i need to do a class. Classes are great b/c they force you to work out pretty hard for 1 hr and there is no getting out of it

. Most ppl are intimidated by them at first but once they get into it they really like it. I now have my DH doing spin, step, and weigh classes with me each week.

If you can find a gym that has a daycare service you can bring you son, do a few 1-hour classes a week ( a combo of cardio and weight lifting classes) and you are on your merry way....

 

[eks6426]

Well, thank you everyone for the advice. Over the weekend I tried to think about what I need to change to get a goal weight AND increase the muscle mass.

My actual diet items are not that bad. If I read the basic recommendations of the easy things to cut out, I don't eat them. No sugary soda, no fast food, no desserts etc. The type of items I eat are pretty much right on. My biggest down fall is probably too many carb items. I love pasta, potatoes etc. I do buy whole grain everything. I love veggies. I think the reality is more about portion control. So, I'm thinking I will continue to eat basically the same things I have been eat with eye toward fewer carbs but use my LUNCH size plates instead of dinner plates. Keep the proportions the same (1/2 veggies, 1/4 meat, 1/4 carbs on my plate) but just less of everything.

My friends are suggesting healthy snacks mid-day such as fruit or a few nuts. I'm not at all a snacker so oddly enough this will be hard for me.

And the dreaded exercise. A few years ago I belonged to a gym and did spinning classes followed by 20 minutes or so of weights. It was fabulous. I loved it and looked great. Unfortunately my schedule does not allow this anymore. I have a YMCA membership so my husband and I are going to go twice on weekends (the only time we can go!). I know you normally should rest a day between weight lifting but these are my only days to go. I will try to do hand weights mid-week but I've never found them to be overly helpful.

I'm also going to try to do squats, lunges etc. at work each time I come back from the restroom. I'm hoping a few minutes at a time will add up. My mom is suggesting I bring the hand weights to work and do my arms to for 5 minutes twice a day. I might check out some of the videos suggested too.

A friend suggestion sitting on one of those exercise balls instead of a desk chair? Would it help enough to endure the questions from my coworkers? I have an office with a door so it's not like I am in cube land.

Do you think this plan will work?

 

[Mara]

ID...you might want to investigate getting a personal trainer. even just 2 hours a week with someone showing you how to do the exercises the ''right way''....then you can do stuff on your own. This helped me big time. Now I know how to use the ball the right way and you can do those exercises at home. Things like jumping jacks, hand weights, ball work, ab work, pushups, situps, you can do those all at home, no gym required. But it takes impetus and dedication. I like the results I see so I have the motivation, but not everyone does. My trainer is only like $50 an hour though some are more like $70-80 and they are wonderful (I have 2 that I rotate through) for helping me with form and challenging me. I''ve learned a ton...it''s not about how to use the elliptical or anything like that, but they actually show me muscle resistance exercises that I can do on my own. And I''m learning pilates.

Sitting on the ball at work could work your abs. But honestly I''m way too distracted with calls and emails to be sitting on some ball at work. I take 4 flights of stairs 2-3 times a day and take a 15 min walk as well when I feel like I need to ''up'' my activity. Squats and lunges are great too.

Start small and see what sticks. You don''t have to have this big end-all-to-be-all plan...just keep trying stuff and also drop your portions slightly. I agree with having one or two small snacks per day...it will help revv your metabolism which unfortunately slows the older we get.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

One totally easy thing I do to get in extra exercise is park at the very opposite end of the mall or shopping center from where I plan to shop. The lots are lighted, and it''s a great way to get in extra walking, and for a purpose, too (you better believe I''ll walk for a sale!!).

 

[chiapet]

I don''t like using BMI because it''s such a general measurement and doesn''t take into account things like body type, different lifestyles, muscle mass, etc... I go with body fat % and how my clothes fit.
I don''t like lifting weights so instead I do yoga and boxing. I''m amazed at how much my back and arms have toned up just from those 2 activities. Any activity counts, e.g., like climbing stairs instead of taking the elevator or take a walk for 15 minutes after dinner.
It can be difficult to find motivation to exercise but think about how good you''ll feel afterwards! Endorphins are awesome!