Weight Loss Forum - BMI and weight loss

Nutrition > Weight Loss Forum > BMI and weight loss

Q: BMI and weight loss

asked by: mjolk on April 13th, 2008

New User

Hi,
I have a weight loss question/issue.
I'm 5'4" and 108lbs. My BMI is 18.5.
My guy's somewhat taller, and skinny, his BMI is 18.7.
But he looks a lot skinnier than I do!
I used to weigh about 5 lbs less and I was content with my appearance then.
I am wondering is it dangerous to lose about 5lbs?
Though my BMI says healthy weight, I have some fat around my waist area... Is this normal for young women? Before I never noticed any fat there.
I've gained 1 cup size, 1 inch around my stomach and 1 inch around my waist over the past year. Is this healthy?
I tend to eat healthy things but I have some big weaknesses such as ice cream that I eat a few times a week. Also I walk many places (plus my job involves being on my feet all the time) so I tend to get exercise but I do not do strenuous exercise.

What are the difference between men and women as far as weight distribution? Why do I look so much fatter than him?

Is it dangerous to have BMI below 18.5 or can I start to try to lose weight?

Replies(4)

mjolk

replied on April 13th, 2008

New User

I have found some more information on the internet:
Body Mass Index 18.6 kg / m2
Waist-to-Height ratio 0.41
Percent Body Fat 20.9%
Lean Body Mass 85.4lb

Mikolas

replied on April 15th, 2008

Active User, very eHealthy

BMI is really just a guideline. As you know, you are towards the lower extreme of "average weight".

When you mean by dangerous as in life threatening, no, you can lose 5 pounds. How old are you anyway? There isn't much of a surprise that you would be gaining weight as you grow older because you aren't exercising.

worrywart01

replied on May 24th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

guys are supposed to have ALOT less body fat than women(do they have breasts? no..do they have hips for childbearing...no) so dont compare yourself to your bf..the average bmi for a man and for a woman are completely different...plus you said you've gained a cupsize and some around your waist? you didn't mention your age but it could be that you're still "growing" into your body..its natural for you to gain weight in those areas. as was stated earlier 18.5 is on the low end for bmi, i think you sound healthy, so If I were you I'd just continue to eat healthy and excercise and maintain that weight, everyone has their problem areas so maybe you could work on muscle toning by pilates or weight lifting but I wouldn't push to loose weight

codee23

replied on April 25th, 2009

Experienced User

If you lose five pounds you'll be underweight. I am 5'4" as well and I used to be 102 lbs when I decided I wanted to gain weight my friends thought I was anorexic and my skin was kinda grayish it wasn't healthy so I gained about 13 lbs and looked the best I ever have I really don't think you need to lose weight. if you feel self conscious you could try to tone up or something but if you lose 5 pounds chances are you'll look too skinny

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc