[Jtsummers]

Indeed, especially the 22 BMI target. For me (5'10") that would mean 155lbs, I'd have to shed (going by my scale which estimates body fat percentage) around 28 lbs of fat (I'm at 15% fat right now, so 28 lbs would get me to 0% which is unhealthy) and 7lbs of other weight to hit that target. Could I lose some weight? Sure. But I won't. Back on the exercise habit after a few months off and I'm getting slimmer but my weight is staying the same, as I would expect it to based on my previous experience (I pack on muscle easily).

BMI is a useful heuristic (BMI over 30 and not a powerlifter? Probably unhealthy, let's look at other characteristics and see how unhealthy and how to address it) but a terrible target until you know your own body.

[otherme123]

I'm 185 cm (6'1") and 73 kg (161 lbs), for a BMI of 21.3. I still have more than 0% fat, but I'm certainly slim. I don't have to fight at all to keep my weight as it is, and I'm healthy.

You say 30 BMI, but in my experience unless you are lifting a lot of weights 25 is the upper limit. Ten years ago I hit 25 BMI, and despite feeling "normal" there were already the first signs of being fat: thights always red, sweaty all day and way less resistance than today.

I lost 15 kg (33 lbs) not by doing crazy exercise, but by cutting 100% of shitty food and eating beyond necesity.

[Jtsummers]

I think you're agreeing with me but I'm not sure. I said you have to know your body, which you seem to. For your body 25 BMI is an upper limit, for my body 25 BMI is a lower limit unless I'm losing muscle mass or going to unhealthy body fat percentage levels.

Which is why I also said BMI is a poor target. 22 BMI, for me, would be an awful target. I'd be gaunt and have to lose a lot of muscle mass, not just fat (which I don't have a lot of to lose). Even bringing body fat percentage from 15% to 10%, which is still healthy, would only get me down to about 180lbs. That would leave me 25lbs over the target for a 22 BMI. That's my body, not yours, not anyone else's. I've learned what is healthy for me and have set goals and expectations around that. I wouldn't expect yours, or anyone else's, to be the same. You've realized that 25 BMI is too high for you, great. Now you know, but that doesn't apply to everyone. And the original poster in this thread claiming everyone should be at 22 BMI is clearly also speaking about a particular experience which is not applicable to everyone, but writing as if it is.

[peapicker]

"...in my experience unless you are lifting a lot of weights 25 is the upper limit.."

I get you...

I'm 6'0" (183cm) and 212 lbs (96kg) (BMI=29). I'm at 17% body fat and am working toward 10%, but also have been lifting weights heavily. I just got down to size 32 jeans (82cm waist) but have a 48.5" chest (123cm) and 15.5" (40cm) biceps. I still wish to lose 15-20lb more, but then I'd be at 195lb and about 8% body fat -- with a BMI of ~27. (Assuming I don't add more muscle at the same time.)

It is a lot better than a 15 months ago when I made my life change - I was 240lb (109kg) and 38% body fat, and pushing a 38" (96cm) waist, truly obese. And I felt like shite.

I am surprised how much I have come to love weightlifting, rowing, and eating a diet better balanced towards low-caloric density foods (lots of veggies) and lean protein. And I am more surprised at how quickly my body changed, considering I'm now just over 50.

[trogdor]

Good job! Keep it up!

[gadders]

My BMI is 31 but my body fat % is 18%. I've been lifting weights seriously for 12 years, since I turned 40, but I would never be mistaken for a bodybuilder.

[11235813213455]

> until you know your own body

that part is tricky, takes a lot of time, experiments

But also I think the body shape makes a big diff, I have very thin limbs, long legs, my best BMI is between 17 and 18, without limiting myself in food quantity (I alwways eat as much as I can, tho I naturally like to eat 1 or 2 meals a day max)