How can I figure out a healthy weight goal?

1. 93

   VirginiaLynneposted 12 years ago

   How can I figure out a healthy weight goal?
   
   I've been losing weight and am now near the goal I had set (which is what I weighed in High School), and I know it fits in the top of the BMI chart for my height (5 feet, 9 inches).  However, I'm now wondering what exactly is the healthiest weight goal?  The BMI chart says 125 to 169 pounds!  There is a lot of difference between 125 and 169.  How can someone figure out the best weight goal?
   
   

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2. 67

   jclaffeeposted 12 years ago

   That 44 pound range (125-169) takes several factors into consideration; age, body fat%, muscle mass, etc. If you wish to get a precise estimate as to what you, personally should weigh, a precise body fat% measurement would prove invaluable. Remember, the BMI charting system is not always totally accurate. For instance, I've always been listed as "overweight", even though I've never been over 8% body fat. Right now I'm  5'9 and 1/4", about 8% body fat, and tip the scales at 181 pounds. In other words, having a little more muscle than average can actually render you overweight on the BMI chart, even if you're not. However, I think for women, the BMI charting system will be a little more consistent because ladies will almost always carry less weight in muscle (compared to men), so the amount that they weigh over the given range will almost always be fat tissue. This is why I recommend a body fat% measurement. You can get a good idea of what body fat% you are now, and subsequently what % you would like to drop to, and what your weight would be at that particular body fat%. Your doctor should be able to either give you an accurate measurment or point you to someone who can. Feel free to visit my profile- I've written several hubs on weight loss you might find useful, even though you've already met with a certain level of success. Good luck! - Jclaffee

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3. 79

   Alphadogg16posted 12 years ago

   Jesse, I was going to answer, but nothing really needs to be said after your answer. Well put & thoroughly explained. Virginia, jclaffee couldn't have said it in a better way.

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4. 60

   band_girlposted 12 years ago

   I would shy away from making my goal too low, since this can set you up for disappointment.  It's hard to reach the lowest number on the weight scale and I think it's a bad idea to create a situation that might be frustrating.  I think we all should be proud of ourselves exactly where we are after losing weight.  Gratitude for where we have come from is important in the fight to keep weight off.
   As far as a good weight goal, you should take into consideration your frame size.  I think you can determine your frame size by putting your thumb and first finger around your other wrist.  I'm sure there is a place on the internet where you can find that info and shoot for something close to your frame size.  Also take into consideration your muscular build.  I do not have a small frame and I have muscles from weight lifting and so I am happy and I can eat moderately and stay close the top of the weight range, which is better than where I was a few years ago.

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5. 66

   Perspycaciousposted 12 years ago

   what did you way when you were the most active and healthiest you?  That's a reasonable goal weight.

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6. 68

   tinisha12posted 12 years ago

   There’s a lot of statistics with weight charts and BMI about what one 'should' weigh. I'm 5'3 and my goal for years was to weigh 118lbs. I really believed if I got down to that weight then I would be completely happy with my body. Because of a painful surgery I'd undergone due to some colon problems, I lost a lot of weight on accident and dropped down 120lbs. I realized that I did not like the way I looked at all. I actually got a little depressed. I lost my butt, muscle mass and lost a lot of weight in other areas. I am big boned for the most part and really like my curves, and after gaining some weight back after I got better, I realized that I was totally satisfied with weighing 134lbs. In my opinion as long as you integrate exercise and a somewhat healthy diet you don't have to be super thin or fall into the 'supposed' weight category of society. Someone who's 5'5 might feel perfectly fine if they are 150lbs, but if you look at statistics or that BMI chart it might consider that person pushing obesity. Please!! I say it's all about how you feel. How you feel each and every day will pretty much tell you if you are living healthy as far as weight is concerned, especially if you are integrating exercise and living a fairly healthy diet overall. Who says every woman on earth has to be a size 4 or 5 to be happy or even just healthy! If you want to be a size 9 or 10 I think that is perfectly fine if it's fine with you, and as long as you maintain healthy lifestyle choices as well.

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7. 63

   rutleyposted 12 years ago

   Stop worrying about your weight!  If your satisfied how your clothes fit and look on you than all's well!  Send BMI to the spam folder, I say!  If you feel good, healthy and fit, you can walk a couple of miles without keeling over and you can do a dozen pushups, your all that plus tax!  You go girl!

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