So I'm 18, going to be 19 in a few months. I've always been on the heavier side (right now I'm 5'11" 285 pounds) but strangely, I don't look that heavy. I'm a stronger guy, but by no means ripped or jacked. But I've gone to doctors and just had people guess my weight, and they all guess in the 220's or 230's. I tell them I'me 285 pounds and they don't believe me. When I played baseball in high school I had to get a physical, and the doctor was bewildered by my weight, and he weighed me a few times and on different scales to make sure it was correct.
It's gotten to the point where I'm kind of worried. The weight isn't in my thighs or stomach. I have a 36 inch waist. I have a gut, but it's not that large. Where is this extra weight that seems to be in me somewhere? I know some people are big boned, but that couldn't possibly add on 20 or 30 extra pounds.
Anonymous2014-11-22T08:49:49Z
You are well into the obese category based on your BMI of 39.
However, here is the thing to understand. BMI is a good measure of population obesity, but not necessarily of individuals. BMI calculators do not actually take into account lean muscle mass. A person can be of normal weight, but if her muscle mass is low, she could have a high body fat ratio. Also, ideal weight does take into account frame size. Here's some information on possibly more accurate ways of measuring your body fat ratio:
Many Olympic athletes would be considered overweight or obese based simply on the calculators. Check out these two handball players. They're both considered overweight. Here is the problem. They're being compared with 50 something year old guys who haven't moved a muscle in 30 years.
And read this. It includes a quote from a Professor of Medicine and Director of the Obesity Unit in the Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, about the trouble in using BMI or simply weight for a sole measure of obesity.
In addition the diet mentioned above is not the "magic bullet" for weight loss. Any caloric restriction will have the same effect. However, as far as health it is pretty good. Higher in protein than recommended, very low fat, but can be difficult to follow if you can't either plan six meals a day and you don't want to buy Mr. Phillips' products he sells on his website. (That's always a red flag for me personally)
Anyway, where is your weight? Most likely in your muscle mass. Some people a genetically predisposed to have a higher muscle mass than others. If you were to have an alternative method of assessing your BMI, say a skin fold or water submersion test done, you would certainly have a lower BMI than just using an online calculator. You should work on your weight, get aerobic exercise etc. That would make a difference in your overall health.
Your BMI is 39.75 kg/m2 and normal for your age/height is: 18.7 - 26.3 kg/m2. Your are classified as overweight bordering on obese. Being big boned will not add weight to you. Your best bet is to do something about it now before you reach your 40's and realize that you have added another 100 pounds to your frame. Your body will like it a lot better if you were to lose about 80 pounds and bring yourself into a better BMI range that would be close to normal for you. A 100 pound loss would bring into a normal BMI range. I am aware that other factors need to be considered but this is a good baseline for you. You might want to read "Food for Life" or "Eating for Life" both by Bill Phillips. He doesn't outline a diet but a way of eating that will last for life. He also incorporates exercises specific for both men and women. You are lucky you can get away with it now but it is better to get control of your weight before it gets control of you. Good luck!!!