Am I too big?

Question
Hi! I'm 15, 5'9'' and weigh 196 pounds. Is this obese? Or am i just overweight? My BMI Is around 30, so that makes me a little hefty. When I saw my doctor in June I weighed 180 pounds and she told me I shouldn't gain anymore weight, but as you can see i have gained 16 pounds since then. I have to go back for a shot soon, and I don't know what she will tell me.

Answer
Hi Emma

You know height and weight tables nor BMI the best health measures. (Sure they can give you an overall idea)  If you read this article - it's actually quite an eye-opener, your doctor might be interested in reading it too: ( http://www.ditch-diets-live-light.com/benefits-of-fitness.html ) But you'll see that what is much more important is our  body composition. Muscle for example, weighs a lot more on a scale than fat does and frankly scales are notoriously unreliable.

A much more reliable measure of health is our percentage body fat.  Fortunately you can calculate this in private with just the help of a tape measure. There is a free one at:

http://www.ditch-diets-live-light.com/body-fat-calculation-and-health.html

The other thing I'm wondering is what you're starting to tell yourself about whether you are obese or overweight (it sounds like you're starting to stress) because there are two other articles that I think you may find fascinating and might give you food for thought.


http://www.ditch-diets-live-light.com/obesity-research.html

http://www.ditch-diets-live-light.com/neuropeptides.html
I think these are very underestimated aspects of weight and health.

Good luck
Cari  

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