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  • Shared Experiences

    Gauging my own 'healthy weight'...

    Related Topic
    Weight Management
    How am I best to go about gauging whether or not I am of a healthy weight, and if not WHAT is a healthy weight for me?



    I find this an ever persistent question in my head. I have done the BMI a multitude of times and find that due to my heaight and build I usually either fall into the ‘overweight’ or the top end of the ‘healthy weight’ range. Yet if I look in the mirror and am truly honest with myself (and put my demons to rest for a moment) I would argue the fact that I am overweight, and would argue even stronger the fact that I could lose 8-10kg and still be considered within the ‘healthy’ weight range (which is the lower limit of my weight calculation according to my height). I am sure my body fat % and my waist to hip ratio measurements each show I am within healthy range, yet dont give me that clarifying, concrete number to work towards!



    I suppose the big question here is, IS there an updated version of the BMI for self assessment so I can have an objective measure to work with instead of bouncing between my internal dialogue of “OMG I'm so huge today” and “Gosh! Am i REALLY over the healthy range of weight for my height!? I dont FEEL like I am…”
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  • Shirley Chan

    Dietitian

    Shirley is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with 16 years clinical experience in large public hospital and in private practice. She has extensive specialised experience in … View Profile

    To answer your question about the updated version of BMI, it is still the recommended range. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/body-mass-index-bmi-and-waist-circumference

    In say that, as health professionals, we consider weight as only one of many ways to measure 'healthiness' or 'wellness' if you like. It is not THE only way to measure 'wellness'. As dietitians, we looking at each individual, your own lifestyle, eating style, whether you have any medical issues, and we are looking at you, as a person, not as a number on the scale. This can be discussed in a consultation with an Accredited Practising Dietitian, with a special interest in the subject of women's wellness, mindfulness, whilst using clinical information to recommend the most suitable course of action. 

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  • Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    It may also be worth noting that certain enthnicities have varied risks with lower BMI's. 

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