Back in the 1950's, the accepted standard for measuring ideal weights was based upon research of the mortality rates of insurance policy holders. As an example, here is a chart provided by The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company from the "Hollywood Star Diet Book."
As you can see, "desirable" weights were based upon the "Build and Blood Pressure Study, 1959, Society of Actuaries." Unlike BMI which simply uses height and weight, the 1950s method assigned weight ranges to people based upon gender, height (be sure to add inches for heels, so women add two inches to your height when barefoot, men add one) and three possible body frame sizes. That meant that you had less of a window for weight variations.
Why did our nation shift over to using Body Mass Index as the golden standard? From the CDC site: Why does CDC use BMI to measure overweight and obesity?
"Calculating BMI is one of the best methods for population assessment of overweight and obesity. Because calculation requires only height and weight, it is inexpensive and easy to use for clinicians and for the general public. The use of BMI allows people to compare their own weight status to that of the general population."
Therefore, the basis for determining one of the most important factors for healthy living is “inexpensive” and “easy," and compares an individuals' weight to the general population which we all know is comprised of overweight people. So it’s admittedly not even a method for comparing your weight to a healthy standard, but what is currently "normal!"
BMI does not distinguish weight by age, gender or frame size and adds six extra pounds to the upper end of "normal." I've seen many people argue that BMI doesn't account for people who may be labeled "fat" but are athletic and have muscle weight, yet that accounts for a small percentage of the US population. In fact BMI allows more overweight people to be considered "normal." Again, the word "healthy" is not used in the descriptions.
Also gone are the lower weights assigned for women compared to men! According to BMI, a 5' 9" woman or man can weight anywhere between 125 and 168 pounds to be within the normal range. But again, forty-three pounds extra on a small framed woman is not the same as on a large framed man or woman.
So let's get the missing piece of information that is key- measuring your frame size. It's easy. Simply measure your wrist with a tape measure and use this chart to determine whether you have a small, medium, or large frame.
To use myself as an example, my current weight is 142, I'm 5' 9" and have a wrist measurement of 5.75" which means I have a small frame. My healthy weight range is 134 - 144 pounds. I'm at the upper end. Yet according to BMI I can weight as little as 126 pounds or as much as 169 pounds and be at an acceptable weight. See the problem?
So let's get the missing piece of information that is key- measuring your frame size. It's easy. Simply measure your wrist with a tape measure and use this chart to determine whether you have a small, medium, or large frame.
To use myself as an example, my current weight is 142, I'm 5' 9" and have a wrist measurement of 5.75" which means I have a small frame. My healthy weight range is 134 - 144 pounds. I'm at the upper end. Yet according to BMI I can weight as little as 126 pounds or as much as 169 pounds and be at an acceptable weight. See the problem?
Also, according to research: "Measuring waist circumference helps screen for possible health risks that come with overweight and obesity. If most of your fat is around your waist rather than at your hips, you’re at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This risk goes up with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men. To correctly measure your waist, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones. Measure your waist just after you breathe out."
You can view this chart from The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute for classification of overweight that includes both BMI and waist circumference to see how it impacts your health.
While BMI might make a lot of us feel better or worse about our weight, wouldn't you rather use a measurement that will likely lead to better health and a longer life?
© Averyl Hill. All Rights Reserved.
You can view this chart from The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute for classification of overweight that includes both BMI and waist circumference to see how it impacts your health.
While BMI might make a lot of us feel better or worse about our weight, wouldn't you rather use a measurement that will likely lead to better health and a longer life?
© Averyl Hill. All Rights Reserved.
