What Is Your BMI and How Are You Going with Your New Year's Resolution?

King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 09:04
Last edited 19/01/2018 - 09:06

Seeing as how moderators have decided discussing other people's BMI is inflammatory, I figured why not open a can of worms and let's discuss everyones BMI and what we're doing towards maintaining (or aiming to be in) the healthy range.

My BMI is bang on 24.0 which I'm pretty happy with. Mid to late last year things were getting out of hand with it heading up towards 26.

My goal (though not my NYR) is to get it down to 22ish. This will require constant diet maintenance, a lot less drinking than what took place in 2017, and cutting (or heavily reducing) key things out of my life like milk and bread.

My 2018 New Year's Resolution is to try and do push-ups every day. I've currently only been able to do them about 60-70% of days though due to my right arm playing up on me. I did however reach a milestone of doing 100 on one of the days, although most days I'm happy with 60-80.

So what's your BMI and New Year's Resolution? I hope all OzBargainers are actively trying to be healthy and live a lengthy life.

You can calculate your BMI at the Heart Foundation website.

Health & Beauty

Comments

    • toomuchdogfur on 19/01/2018 - 10:11

      Too much body fat raises risk of cardiovascular issues (like heart attacks) and diabetes. But that's mostly for saturated and trans fats - tl;dr not all fats are bad, but the stuff that comes in junk food is usually the bad stuff.

      I agree that cutting carbs and sugar will cause you to lose weight - I'm experiencing that myself! But I fear that if my body fat stays the same while my weight drops, I'll just end up skinny (or worse, skinny with a belly) as if I'm not losing fat, I'm probably losing muscle. Losing muscle isn't going to make anyone any fitter or feel any better, so it's important to monitor how you're losing weight.

      • Donaldhump on 19/01/2018 - 10:19

        Cut sugar completely and your body must burn fat which takes more energy to do

    • knk on 19/01/2018 - 14:29
      +2

      What you're describing is a ketogenic diet, and if you don't have the consideration (or understanding) to mention that you should not educate people on the subject as it breeds misinformation and confusion.

      While it has it's merits, the issue is that someone who is uninformed will be told mate no carbs but you can eat all the meat you want. It's never explained properly that one sugary drink may put you out of ketosis and hinder your progress significantly. Such a complex diet shouldn't be entered into without adequate research and understanding.

      • idonotknowwhy on 19/01/2018 - 16:21

        Not only that, but people who go into "low carb" diets without enough information, have been known to eat too much protein, damaging their kidneys. Hence why I'm linking to https://www.reddit.com/r/keto/

        • knk on 19/01/2018 - 16:29
          +1

          Really grinds my gears too lol.

          We were brought up (at least my generation, 90s kids) with such a piss poor understanding of nutrition.

        • idonotknowwhy on 19/01/2018 - 22:47

          @knk: Not just us (90's kids). Gen X and the boomers too.
          The fact is, people are lazy. They'd rather read quick comments on social media than do any research.
          Doesn't just apply to nutrition.

        • knk on 20/01/2018 - 09:19

          @idonotknowwhy:

          True, just look at bitconnect..

  • Archi on 19/01/2018 - 10:03

    I'm thinking of going on a health kick… but hey its FRIYAY..! fish and chips for lunch.

  • Donaldhump on 19/01/2018 - 10:11
    +3

    Anyway I’m off to an all you can eat / drink function, I may eat healthy over the weekend.

  • Quantumcat on 19/01/2018 - 10:20
    +1

    31 from last time I weighed myself, but since November I have been cycling to and from work 2-3 times a week so it may have gone down (8km each way).

  • HungryTotoro on 19/01/2018 - 10:30
    +1

    26.6 :(

    But I agree, a more accurate measure would be "Waist measurement". I'm pretty active: play sport twice a week for 3 hours each and maybe do 1-2 home HIIT sessions for about 20 mins a week. But I am as passionate about food as I am sport so for 2018, I guess the goal is to portion control better esp. for dinners :). I also found success with cutting down on sugar!

    According to the OP's link, for males, waist larger than 94cm (37 inches) and for women over 80cm (30 inches) is considered in high health risk category for such illnesses as heart disease and stroke to name a few.

    This time last year I was in that category but now I wear 33 inch pants and the goal is to get back to 32 because I found that level was the best for me.

    note: I am slightly shorter than average and have some muscle.

    • jacross on 20/01/2018 - 09:17
      +1

      I wear 30 inch pants and have a waist measurement of 36 inches. Got cant rely on pans size. You need to actually make yourself.

  • smashed on 19/01/2018 - 10:36

    24 BMI.
    Now cycling for 2.5 hours (total) to work and back each day.
    Will smash my BMI down in a few weeks then relax :)

    • BadHorse on 20/01/2018 - 13:41

      Thats a solid commute! Saving lots of money on public transport and fuel too I bet

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 10:37

    43.9 do I win?

    • Donaldhump on 19/01/2018 - 10:42
      +7

      Only when u get to half a century

  • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 10:40
    -2

    Not an accurate measure of health

    A jacked, fit looking bodybuilder/powerlifter would be overweight/obese according to the BMI measurement

    • John Kimble on 19/01/2018 - 11:08

      Yep.

    • King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 12:29
      +11

      Ok so hey are you a jacked bodybuilder?

    • knk on 19/01/2018 - 13:35

      Can confirm , am overweight at 16%, previously 'obese' at 18% bodyfat.

    • mlburnian on 19/01/2018 - 14:55
      +6

      But a gym junkie would be well aware of that. BMI is good for the general population who would have over 25 percent body fat.

    • Beanvee on 19/01/2018 - 17:28
      +5

      BMI uses averages, and jacked body builders are a tiny part of the population.
      It's an accurate measurement of healthy for 99.9% of people, and the only people who preach it's not accurate are ones in denial about their weight.

  • Seraphin7 on 19/01/2018 - 10:41
    +1

    The BMI is a strange beast. I'm currently around 29 which is too high, although I was down to 22 a few years ago (bang in the "healthy" range) and everyone reckoned I was too thin. I'd be happy to be around 25/26.

    • airal3rt on 19/01/2018 - 22:51
      +2

      I was down to 22 a few years ago (bang in the "healthy" range) and everyone reckoned I was too thin.

      Two-thirds of Australians are overweight and obese. TWO-THIRDS.

      What's happening is peoples perception of weight is badly skewed due to constantly being surrounded by hordes of fat people. As a result your perfectly healthy and ideal BMI of 22 makes you look "too thin" compared to the other fat people, so many will be more comfortable if you pudge up to an unhealthy BMI of 26+. Don't target the average when the average is sick, target healthy.

  • dasher86 on 19/01/2018 - 10:43
    +2

    my bmi says it's too high, only because i have a six pack and too many mussels.

    • Donaldhump on 19/01/2018 - 10:45
      +5

      You like seafood :)

    • ausdday on 19/01/2018 - 11:45
      +2

      and the beer.

  • onetwothreefour on 19/01/2018 - 10:55

    I'm about 175cm tall and it says my ideal weight range is 56.7 - 76.3kg.

    Surely that's a joke? 56.7?

    I'm about 84kgs so my BMI is 27.4

    • dasher86 on 19/01/2018 - 11:01

      do you lift?

      • onetwothreefour on 19/01/2018 - 11:27
        +1

        No, I admit I'm a little overweight but even 76kgs would be a bit skinny I think. I've been down to 79 before and that's as thin as I would want to be.

        • King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 12:31

          This is the problem iI had at work. People called me skinny when my BMI said I was overweight. It's a societal problem where people will quickly judge others if it means not having to look in the mirror.

        • phoenixx on 22/01/2018 - 23:08

          I think it depends of bone structure as well. My partner is 6 foot and has a small frame - anything above 70kg would be getting overweight. I'm sure if he were broader it would be a different story.

    • ihbh on 19/01/2018 - 11:16

      I'm close to your height, my body fat % (12ish %) and visceral fat % is at the low end of the good range. Muscle mass and water at average of good range.

      Weight is around 67kg.

    • Quantumcat on 19/01/2018 - 14:10
      +1

      I'm slightly taller and it said something like 59 lowest for me too, which really is ridiculous, I would be a wispy little stick at 59kg. I think I was 59 aged 14 or something.

      • airal3rt on 19/01/2018 - 23:20

        Just out of curiosity, why do you think they have such a large range?

        It's to account for different body structures such as barrel chested individuals with very broad shoulders who will comfortably slot in at a 23-24 BMI, and the reedier, lithe bone structured individuals who will slot in at the 19-20 BMI.

        It's disingenuous to point at one end of the range and act like that's somehow a bizarre number, let alone those people in denial about their weight who try to use it to discredit BMI as a whole.

    • Ravensbane on 19/01/2018 - 15:01

      Yeah I am 172cm and says my ideal is 54.7 - 73.7kg. 54kg?? Having a laugh.
      Am currently 25.7 BMI / 76kg. Would be happier with 70kg.

    • airal3rt on 19/01/2018 - 23:21

      Just out of curiosity, why do you think they have such a large range?

      It's to account for different body structures such as barrel chested individuals with very broad shoulders who will comfortably slot in at a 23-24 BMI, and the reedier, lithe bone structured individuals who will slot in at the 19-20 BMI.

      It's disingenuous to point at one end of the range and act like that's somehow a bizarre number, let alone those people in denial about their weight who try to use it to discredit BMI as a whole.

  • scotty on 19/01/2018 - 11:13
    +5

    Agree that BMI is no way an indication of health. Two people have the same weight & height (thus same BMI) but can have totally different body composition, making one "healthier" than the others.

    Mine at the moment is ~21 (dropped from ~23 2 years ago). No special diet as I eat whatever my family eats, however admittedly I do have a bad habit of snacking as I sit in front of computers whole day. Also found difficult of gaining muscle so I basically just give up. I do try to run 150-200km per month and that burns off the excess.

    • ihbh on 19/01/2018 - 11:19

      I didn't realise you were a runner Scotty.

      That's a lot of running. On average, how many runs do you do a week and roughly what distance?

      • scotty on 19/01/2018 - 11:29

        Did 13km this morning at ~5m20s/km pace. Also did 22km Wednesday morning Kingsford -> Coogee -> Bondi -> Moore Park and then back. Good weather this week & next so might run more. However I won't have the prime morning time to run when kids go back to school.

        • montorola on 19/01/2018 - 13:55

          Scotty have you tried doing bodyweight exercises like pushups/pullups etc?

          I find that they give a nice toned definition overall. Don't necessarily have to lift weights to look good.

        • scotty on 19/01/2018 - 14:44
          +1

          @montorola: I did r/bodyweightfitness' RR last winter. I am not the type of person who would pay for gym membership to exercise :) However

          • Unnoticeable result. I guess I am just impatient.
          • Doing push-ups & squats at home can be pretty boring.
          • Running produces lots of measurement data, and as an IT guy I love data :)

          Maybe I'll go back to BWF again this winter when it's getting too hard to get out in the morning to run.

        • gimli on 20/01/2018 - 15:22

          @scotty:
          Haha i think I am like you. Do lots of running. Love the data. Have occasions when I do some weights/body weight exercises at home.

          Things I learnt were that you probably don't need to spend a lot of time doing weights.

          • Results - everyone's body is different. Some people just don't bulk up easily whilst others do. Maybe set strength goals (e.g. max rep or amounts of reps). Also improving core body will probably improve your running. I was running my fastest when I was also regularly doing weights
          • Boring - I agree. Doing 1 hour or even 30 min can be boring. Try design a 3-5min circuit and once or twice. (e.g. sit ups, push ups, bicep curls … each exercise should only take 30s-1min and do 3-5 exercises). 5-10min once a week is not as good as 1 hour every day but i think it is much better than nothing
          • Data - try some fitness logging apps. (I use jetfit)
  • Speckled Jim on 19/01/2018 - 11:21

    What if you're a bodybuilder? Muscle is heavier than fat.
    BMI calculations are bull.

    • Harold Halfprice on 20/01/2018 - 12:01

      Yep. BMI is rubbish.
      For me to be at a BMI of 23, I need to lose just under 20% of my body weight. Which is absolutely ridiculous, because my bodyfat percentage is less than that..

      BMI is clearly for people without a shred of muscle.

  • Moderatormoocher on 19/01/2018 - 11:27

    Seeing as how moderators have decided discussing other people's BMI is inflammatory

    For clarification, you directly stated that another user is overweight. Such statements can be hurtful. General discussion about BMI is ok, but please do not target specific users.

    • onetwothreefour on 19/01/2018 - 11:31

      Such statements can be hurtful.

      I didn't see the comment you are referring to but should we avoid stating the truth in case it might hurt someone's feelings?

    • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 11:48
      -1

      telling people they aren't allowed to say things which are true is hurtful

    • Moderatormoocher on 19/01/2018 - 11:55

      The comment that was moderated was in a deal, and it was unnecessary to make such a comment given the context of discussing a deal/product, and not what the commenter was asking about. That comment was brought to our attention through a report from another user.

      If a user is happy to share their BMI in this thread for discussion, for example, then replies would be in context.

      • King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 12:34
        -5

        So off-topic then? Cool, I'll report every off-topic comment in deal threads.

        King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 12:34 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
        • onetwothreefour on 19/01/2018 - 12:54
          +5

          Isn't this getting off topic? You should be talking about BMI and fat people only. I'm reporting you.

        • King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 12:57
          -1

          @onetwothree: ily

  • yoonibear on 19/01/2018 - 11:27
    +1

    I'm just over the Obese range :(

  • SnoozeAndLose on 19/01/2018 - 11:30
    +1

    I'm about 178cm tall

    I'm about 89kgs so my BMI is 28.1. Blood test show every figure is normal.

    I am classified as fit as my shoulder is wide

    Doing a weigh tlose challenge to burn some fat.

  • smashed on 19/01/2018 - 11:52
    +7

    People have a warped perception of ideal weight. If you go to certain Asian countries you will realise just how much extra fat we are all carrying around.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/01/2018 - 12:51
      -2

      I think most people have a good grasp of ideal weight. It's only the fat glory mongers that is skewing that view.

      Asian in Asian countries are generally leaner because either
      1. Malnourished due to poverty
      2. Carb rich, low protein diets by choice.

      Culturally though, the ideal body shape perception has changed. Look at Asian celebrities, the women are curvier than their predecessors, and men are definitely beefed up.

      But I hear you. I still feel like a fat giant when I travel through Asia.

      • knk on 19/01/2018 - 13:40

        I'd think a high protein / low carb diet would lead to one eating less calories overall. Dense carbs such as rice are very easy to consume massive amounts of calories from.

        I think it's honestly the significantly smaller servings you get in Asian countries.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2018 - 09:21
        +1

        The change in shape of Asian populations (in the cities) is due to the influx of "Western" influence.
        McDonalds and 7-11 are springing up everywhere and Asian kids see it as cool to eat that rubbish, to smoke and to do drugs.
        I travel Asia regularly and have done for years and the changes are scary.

    • gimli on 20/01/2018 - 15:25
      +1

      BMI targets for people from Asian background is lower as they get complications of being overweight e.g. DIabetes at a lower weight.

  • plmko on 19/01/2018 - 12:20
    +1

    Stay lean, but strong enough. Helps you drive all those light weight sports cars even faster.

  • smuggler on 19/01/2018 - 12:36

    I think the OP should ask:

    1) how tall are you?
    2) How many kilos do you weigh?
    3) do you even lift?

    BMI is bs

    • gimli on 20/01/2018 - 15:26

      I think extra info such about lifting and if people have had body fat estimations would be interesting.

  • CandyMan on 19/01/2018 - 13:02
    +1

    Where's the poll

  • ruddiger7 on 19/01/2018 - 13:04

    28.4 - Just went on a holiday and put on 4kg though. Hoping to work that off over the next few weeks.

  • jbmb on 19/01/2018 - 13:08

    i agree, i lost 50 kgs 2 yrs ago, and doc said its the waist measurement that counts. Im glad she said that cause i have ducks disease!! lol

  • DBBROS on 19/01/2018 - 13:30
    +1

    Mine is 40.7. Need to consult a dietitian soon

    • knk on 19/01/2018 - 13:32
      +1

      You don't need a dietician to just restrict calories.

      reddit.com/r/fitness has a lot of great information to get you started.

      • Quantumcat on 19/01/2018 - 14:14

        Dietician is important because you need to still have a balanced diet - eating mostly carrots and celery will mean you're malnourished. Harder to eat a variety of food when you're trying to cut down. Dieticians can give you meal ideas

        • knk on 19/01/2018 - 14:22

          That's true, I just meant it wasn't rocket science lol.

          I find that professionals like dietitians are best used in conjunction with extensive self education.

  • knk on 19/01/2018 - 13:31

    It's worth noting that BMI isn't always an accurate indicator of health or whether you're overweight. Especially in the case of very active / athletic people.

    I am 173cm @ 82kgs. 16% bodyfat and hit the gym 6 times a week.

    For me to get into the 'healthy' range of the bmi i need to be a max of 74.5kgs.

    If I were to drop the fat to get there (assuming no muscle loss) I'd be 3% bodyfat. Shredded yes, healthy no. Even if I were to drop a few kgs of muscle with that I'd be around the 5% mark…

    • King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 13:36
      +3

      Yes of course. But how many Aussies do you think are as fit as you?

      The Heart Foundation's BMI calculator allows the average person who might not know much about their health a representation of their body size. It's not aimed at people that know their body fat %.

      • knk on 19/01/2018 - 13:39
        +1

        I wouldn't consider 16% bodyfat overly 'fit' personally.

        I just wanted to point out it wasn't always accurate. Varies from person to person, especially with Maoris, Samoans etc (even the ones who aren't overweight).

        In my case it's from frequent gym, however tradies, laborers and anyone who does heavy lifting from work would likely be showing a higher than average amount of weight / muscle.

        Dexa scans are where it's at.

  • JayM on 19/01/2018 - 13:39
    +2

    I'm 30 on the BMI scale but my resting heart rate and blood pressure all sit between "Athlete" to "Excellent" on their respective scales. Don't really pay attention to the BMI anymore. I've always played some sort of Sport so happy where I'm at.

    • ihbh on 19/01/2018 - 13:52

      Agree with resting heart rate. Is yours low 50s or less for your age?

      What's your VO2 max?

      • JayM on 19/01/2018 - 14:32

        Yeah, low 50s for my age but usually higher when at work.

        Never actually measured my VO2 levels so unsure but it might be a mixed bag result and not entirely indicative of overall health.

        BMI can also be affected by heavy bone structure too ("I'm not fat, I have big bones" - Cartman)

        • airal3rt on 19/01/2018 - 23:38
          +1

          BMI can also be affected by heavy bone structure too

          It's almost like they should change BMI from a single acceptable number to a whole spectrum of healthy BMIs that incorporate individual differences in bone structure. So, instead of saying everyone needs to be dead on a BMI of 22, they could widen the healthy weight range to, just spitballing here, something like 18.5 all the way up to, say, 25 to account for said differences? That way it could potentially be a useful tool?

        • JayM on 21/01/2018 - 10:58

          @airal3rt:

          I just don't think BMI is really an effective measure of health (or it needs to be combined with other measures). The range idea is good but someone with a light bone structure who sits at the top of that 25 could be seen as ok. How do you measure bone structure mass correctly? I've done one of those measurement things that work put on and my scales at home supposedly tell me %s but it's probably just the average for my height, whereas, i'm pretty sure i'm over that average.

  • aussie bargain on 19/01/2018 - 13:54
    +2

    If you really want to be healthy, make sure that you are eating healthy.
    There are lots of alternatives to do this.
    Personally, I encourage fasting as it works for me and it's quite easy once you get into it.

    • gimli on 20/01/2018 - 15:31

      Intermittent fasting is great if you can do it.
      There was research to suggest it has more benefits than just the effects of weight loss. (google Valter Longo)

  • KaTst3R on 19/01/2018 - 14:16

    Body fat % is more important. You can be short, pack full of muscles and yet a high BMI.

    • smuggler on 20/01/2018 - 15:27

      How do you measure body fat percentage?

      • KaTst3R on 20/01/2018 - 19:44

        Most modern digital weighing scales have this function.

  • Powershopz on 19/01/2018 - 14:17

    175cm @ 89kg = 29.8. I'm a fat (profanity) now :-( Had a relatively sedentary lifestyle (office job) over the past 2 years and have let myself go putting on 10kg in the past 2 years. I'm the heaviest i've ever been in my life and this is the first time i'd consider myself fat.

    I used to be heaps fit and active - going to the gym 3-5 times a week. I've been probably 20 times in the past year.

    I used to be 80kg built solid. 150kg working weight for deadlifts and was running 5km in sub 30 mins (slow but good for my str/weight).

    I just started a new job, but once I get into a better routine will start smashing the gym again and aim is to get down to 80kg by July.

  • dearcloud on 19/01/2018 - 14:39
    +1

    Just over BMI 25. Put on about 8kg past few months… My wake up call was when my trouser button burst off quite dramatically.

  • Brouw3r on 19/01/2018 - 14:51

    BMI about 28, still a bit of body fat to drop but I'm somewhat muscular. Getting back into lifting and cardio with stronglift 5x5 and 20 minutes of cardio 4 times a week. Currently at 5 sets/5 reps squat=72.5kg, bench=65kg, OHP=40kg, bent over row = 40kg and 1x5 deadlift 110kg (with lower weight warmup), everything is getting harder from the light weights I started on but haven't failed a set yet.

    Haven't lost any weight so far but muscle memory definitely kicking in so I'm pretty confident I've lost fat and gained muscle.

    Diet hasn't changed drastically, just having a protein shake after gym and trying to drink less beer (not going so well).

  • jmi on 19/01/2018 - 15:13

    Why not compare your BMI with other Australians or other people around the world… :)

    This is a little dated but gives you an indication of where you stand on the global fat scale.

    http://www.bbc.com/news/health-18770328

    Btw, if you're Asian, take note that there is also an Asian BMI scale (due to differences in body composition for Asians).

  • aaaaaasssssssss on 19/01/2018 - 15:26

    Apparently, I'm 31 Obese with around 15%-20% body fat. Don't use BMI

    • King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 15:30
      +1

      There sure are a few gym nuts commenting

      • aaaaaasssssssss on 19/01/2018 - 15:33

        Not really, I have tree trunk thighs and broad shoulders which pushes my BMI higher, (helps with kicking the footy and standing your ground), most people think Im 80 until they see my thighs . Stock Standard Build. I only gym about 3 to 4 times a day for an hour max.

        • King Steuart on 19/01/2018 - 15:37

          I only gym about 3 to 4 times a day for an hour max.

          I assume you mean per week

        • aaaaaasssssssss on 19/01/2018 - 15:39

          @Putnum: yes a week, makes buying pants annoying.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/01/2018 - 17:04

          @aaaaaasssssssss:

          "Only"

          What do you honk the average out there is?

  • bocca on 19/01/2018 - 16:35
    +2

    BMI 30.8

    Been losing 0.6-0.8kg a week for the last 6 weeks.

    should be jacked and tan by winter lolol

  • MessyG on 19/01/2018 - 17:23

    No idea. Better to focus on overall health than a number. Good nutritious food, regular exercise, lots of sleep, good self-care, working on mental health - wherever your BMI falls in the face of that is what it is.

    *Qualified to say that if you have a medical condition because of weight, do what your doctor/dietitian says.

  • Beanvee on 19/01/2018 - 17:30
    +1

    19 but I'm skinnyfat and need to exercise more

  • fenric on 19/01/2018 - 17:38

    BMI of 21. Slim build, not super fit but quite strong, good build for rock climbing :)

  • bargainfinder on 19/01/2018 - 17:58

    21.5. I am 160 cm and 55 kg

  • FW190 on 19/01/2018 - 19:27
    +1

    This time last year I was 33.5, today I am 24.3, so I am not complaining.

    don't really have a NYR, maybe to finally fit into a real/true size 32 jeans (still got 4 inches to go)

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