Is there a better method of determing optimal weight than using BMI?

for athletes the BMI% is ever rarely a good indicator of health due to the fact that muscle weighs more then fat. A better indicator of health might be to do a % body fat.

Two other ways of determining your body composition come to mind. My former personal trainer used to do a body composition analysis that was determined by measuring different areas on the body (like waist, thighs, upper arms) and using calipers to measure the fat around the waist. That is far more accurate than the BMI measurements because you're measuring the reality not the numbers.

Another way is to have an exercise physiologist measure your body fat composition. Usually this is done by passing a low electrical charge through the body. Different body tissues have different levels of electrical conducitivity and this test can fairly accurately tell you what portion of your body is muscle and what portion is fat. That is probably the most accurate measurement of body compotion.

Have either one or both of these tests done and take the results back to your doctor to be kept in your file for comparison against the BMI.

wow a 33 inch waist. your doing okay in my book- the average waist is 36. I still don't understand BMI. I figure if the skin moves or I can pinch it I need more muscle. Losing belly fat is sooooo hard. I wish walking helped- I would have six-pack abs by now for sure.

Ur doc is best judge to determine the same.

Eat only when hungry and not more than thrice a day. Nothing other than water in between. Include plenty of uncooked vegetables and fruits in each meal, preferably 50%. Chew each morsel at least 32 times to activate ur body to generate signals of hunger/fullness. Obey these signals.

Take light exercises and brisk walks regularly preferably twice a day.

U will achieve what u have not even dreamt and that too in a reasonable time. Do not be in a hurry.