Body Mass Index Feedback

This page is feedback about the Body Mass Index or BMI, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell someone about BMI?

Subj: Excellent resource!
Date: 1/12/2010
I have always been active and a little bit more muscular than your average female. Most calculators would have me fall between the high end of normal and marginally overweight when it comes to BMI. I’ve never looked my weight either so I think this tool is an excellent resource!

Jordan

Subj: Most realistic calculator
Date: 1/22/2010
I have read several of the reviews and do agree on why is height and weight the only measurements used? After 22 years in the military with Multi-million dollar gyms at my disposal I have grown from a 33 size jacket to a 46 inch jacket. I am sick and tired on Doctors with bellies hanging over their belts telling me my BMI is too high. I ask them at age 44 what am I suppose to do with these large shoulders and a chest better developed then even most women. This calculator has been the most realistic one I have found and have book marked this page, though I could stand to drop a few pounds for vanity reasons at least I know now it’s only 5-10 not 25-35. Sad fact is most BMI calculators and height/weight index’s were developed by insurance companies in the 1950’s and have not been updated since. Our society preaches fitness and we are larger and more muscular then 40-50 years ago. Your calculator has my BMI at 26 which is ok but again that is only using height and weight, I grew up in the Airborne and Light Infantry units and as such have Muscular legs with NO fat on them. Can and will someone develop a BMI calculator for men that uses the size of our Arms, Legs and our Massive Chests.

Dave

AskDocWeb: Thanks Dave, and thank you for your service to our country. Maybe there is a combination medical and math wizard out there that could take on your suggestion but it is beyond our ability.

Subj: Not a professional athlete
Date: 2/5/2010
What kind of active person would you consider an athlete. I play a lot of basketball and run but am not a professional athlete. is a BMI less than 20 not ideal for me?

Marcus

AskDocWeb: Our Lean BMI calculator is for those who are of athletic or muscular build, not just professionals. In order to answer your question, we need your age, height, and weight.

Subj: Realistic table based on body type
Date: 2/9/2010
I am 196 cm or 6’4″ and currently 254lbs I train weights 3 days a week and intense cardio 3 days with one days rest. According to my Diving doctor I am obese and could lose my medical with a BMI of just over 30 I have a heavy muscular build having trained with weights and participating in Rugby Union for 30 years. I am 50 years old my VO2 max is well above average for my age at 56 ml o2 kg. The BMI tables used by UK industrial Doctors essentially mean that the whole of the english Rugby Union teams forwards who are all at an elite athlete level of fitness are classified as obese. It is about time this outdated system was modified and a more realistic table based on body type was adopted.

Bill

Subj: Useful tool
Date: 2/15/2010
This is really useful tool to explain why those with a muscular build should not use the standard BMI measurement. I am 6 foot tall and weigh 180 pounds. I have broad shoulders and a lot of muscle on my frame. Most observations of me are that I look thin and muscular…. (explained by the fact that I run 40 miles every week). On a standard BMI measurement I am 24 which is only just inside the normal range, however on your “lean BMI” measurement I am 21 which explains why I look on the thin side of average….and should not (I think) plan to lose any weight. This “lean index” is a really usefull tool and should be more widely used …particularly for those who do a lot of excercise…THANKS.

John

AskDocWeb: While we appreciate your praise, you should know that our lean BMI calculator is not an officially recognized tool. It is our interpretation of what an adjusted index should be, in our opinion.

Subj: Athletic BMI
Date: 2/25/2010
I have denied myself chocolate, crisps etc for a week and a half and not lost any body fat. I am quite athletic and go swimming, snowboarding and do cardio at the gym. I have 2 kids, one is 16 months and I was worried about losing the baby weight. This index has cheered me up knowing that I am in the healthy range of 23! Yeah!

Carolyn

Subj: More accurate BMI
Date: 3/1/2010
I played softball in college and have a muscluar build. I work out consistently 4-6 times a week, with at least 3 sessions of cardio. However, I have always measured just into the “overweight” range on traditional BMI caculators but scored a 22 on your adjusted scale. I think that its a lot more accurate for my body type. Thanks!

Erica

Subj: BMI calculators
Date: 4/7/2010
I have to agree with Tim up there. I’m in the military, very active and have a lean muscular build. I have a miniscul amount of weight around my stomach which I could shave a half 1/4 inch off of but overall, I feel that for my abilities – I am within a better-than average healthy physical state. Many other BMI calculators were not in agreement. Thanks guys.

Jeff

Subj: This confirms the way I feel
Date: 4/9/2010
This is such a relief!!! I’m a tennis player training at the best sports academy in the world. I’ve been training here for 2 years and when I got here I was 5.5 and 122 now I’m 148. I actually feel great! But all the BMI calculators told me I was over weight…this says I’m desirable! I know I’m not over weight. I have so much muscle and feel great and this just confirms the way I feel! Thanks soooo much!

Alex

Subj: Dancer with strong muscles
Date: 4/27/2010
Thank you for this, Most traditional BMI calculators tell me I’m overweight, as has a doctor. I knew something was not completely fitting !(BMI 26)(your calculations 22) I am a fit and healthy contemporary dancer with strong muscles (I can lift ppl twice my weight…)I always panic when I’m told I’m overweight, but even when I get down to what is considered the “norm” for my height, ppl tell me I look ill… So thank you, after seeing this I can breathe, and just concentrate on training for my shows, without the extra panic!

Kathleen

Subj: Accurate tool
Date: 6/2/2010
Well I would like to start by saying that this tool is probably one of the most accurate tools I’ve seen. On most BMI tools my BMI can go up to 24, however, I spend most of my time running, in the gym, or doing yard work around the house. I’m 5 feet 9 inches and weigh 149 pounds, so a BMI of 22-24 doesn’t make much sense, 19 sounds about right though ha ha. Thank you for making such a great tool.

Cory

AskDocWeb: You are welcome Cory. Remember to share it with others.

Subj: Athletic frame
Date: 6/8/2010
This tool is so helpful to me! I lost 3-4 dress sizes while dieting, but couldn’t get below a certain weight/BMI that considered me healthy, even though I wear a solid size 4! I have a very athletic frame with muscular legs and it’s so tough and disheartening to be denied health insurance or be told I need to lose more weight in order to be healthy.

Sarah

Subj: Very athletic
Date: 6/9/2010
I appreciated this calculator, because I am a very athletic young woman… but I am always considered practically obese. I work out 2.5-3 hours a day (I am an avid jogger and lift weights) and am rather tall, with a large frame. It’s nice to know that according to a calculator that is made to suit me, I am in perfect health! It sure raised my morale.

Kathryn

AskDocWeb: Thanks Kathryn. Please remember to keep in mind that BMI is only a general indicator of health and is not a substitute for a yearly checkup or physical.

Subj: In very good shape
Date: 6/21/2010
I would give this a big thumbs up. The standard test puts me at “overweight” or a 25.9. I am 6′ and about 191. I dont have a raging six pack, but I am definitely in very good shape. This calculator gives me a 22 which would live up to my expectations.

James

AskDocWeb: Thanks James, now who can you share this with?

Subj: Difference between BMI and body fat percentage
Date: 7/6/2010
Your calculation still gives an over-estimate of body fat. Body mass Index = 22 with your calculation (weight 170 lbs – height 5 feet 8.5 inches) I also used the calculation from the Maximuscle web site (weight 170lbs – waist at navel 31″”)which gives me a % body fat = 9.6 %. I am muscular with no visible fat so I am inclined to believe the Maximuscle web site

Bert

AskDocWeb: You seem to think that BMI and body fat percentage are the same thing but they are not. A BMI number does not make a distinction between muscle and body fat. Although both are ways of estimating health risks your body-fat percentage is a more useful tool because it distinguishes between the weight of fat and that of your lean body mass–bones, organs, muscle and connective tissue. However, neither of these calculations takes into account the location of the fat on your body, which may be more important than the amount of fat. Most methods of body-fat testing don’t reveal how much fat is located in the abdominal area and how much is located elsewhere. Excess abdominal fat, clumped around your organs, has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and other serious conditions, whereas ample hips and thighs likely pose fewer health risks.

Subj: Adjusting for athletic body types
Date: 7/13/2010
Hi, thank you for adjusting for more muscular/athletic body types. All my life I have been told I am overweight, in spite of being in excellent shape. I have always wondered how to account for my muscular build, and using this tool has helped me to create a new fitness/nutritional plan. Thanks!

Michelle
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Related links:

Body Mass Index for those with an athletic build. Calorie Calculator to find the number of calories you burn each day.

Calculate your Ideal Weight for Adults.