How to tell if I'm overweight?

Question

I'm looking for a reliable BMI calculator for muscular people. I'm 5'4 and 176 lbs which, according to all the BMI calculators I've seen, is considered obese.  My doctor has never mentioned that I need to lose weight and although I do have a few extra pounds, I'm in great shape for sports. (I ref / play hockey) I'm wondering if there is a tool out there that will take muscle mass into account? I do have quite muscular legs (I can squat at least 500... got bored of adding weight) and i have very strong shoulders / back muscles so I think they are just assuming that I'm 170 lbs of fat.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

there are several skin fold tests (easy to access spots are triceps and "love handles" above the hip bones) if your skin fold tests measure less than 1/2 inch then you probably do not have much body fat. In the Wikipedia article are links for the skin fold test and comments about the deficiency of the standard BMI tables for body types like yours.

Anonymous · Answer

There are certain scales you can purchase that will measure your body fat percentage, rather than your BMI. This can determine the difference between muscle and fat, unlike BMI.

-Salivanth

~Geeks Will Rule The World~ · Answer

Muscle weighs more than fat, and if your doctor has never mentioned to lose weight, I wouldn't worry about it.  By the sound of it of your strength, I don't think you're overweight, just solid.  =)

DANIELLE · Answer

ACTUALLY NO YOU DON'T NEED TO LOOSE WEIGHT BUT ON THE SAFE SIDE GO TO THE DOCTOR AND GET A CHECK UP TO SE IF YOU HAVE ANY DISEASE THAT COULD LEAD TO OBESE

? · Answer

Uhm, dude, for your height, kinda is. I work out, im 5'9" and am only 155, if i wieghed 180, id be like mike tyson

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How to tell if I'm overweight?

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