Does BMI matter

Hello @imallears. I'd like to invite some of the members who were discussing this topic in the thread you mentioned (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prejudice-and-pre-conceptions/) in the Just Want to Talk group. @contentandwell, @hopeful33250, @ellerbracke were active in that discussion and may wish to join it here in Healthy Living to share more specific thoughts on balancing BMI, healthy living, and keeping yourself happy doing so.

Hello @contentandwell

When the discussion began about "Recognizing My Own Bias" I posted the following:

"The numbers on a scale merely represent your body's relationship with gravity. They do not determine worth, talent, beauty, or the ability to have a wonderful heart."

I saw this quote on a scale in my doctor's office at the University of Michigan. It is very hard to practice this in our society that seems to value thinness over health but I feel it is true. If you look at magazine covers you will see thin women and this is marketed as being what everyone should strive for.

As I've gotten to know you through Connect, I see you as a person with many great qualities. I agree with @imallears. If you think less about your BMI and more about your overall health, wellness and happiness, it will serve you better.

Will you give it a try?

@hopeful33250
Hi,

Awesome quote and a great reminder in the uphill battle against society’s perception of the ideal , perfect person.

FL Mary

@imallears, Yes, Mary, the quote really resonated with me as well. I wish it could be on the cover of every woman's magazine but I doubt that will happen.

@imallears my doctor actually never said to not lose more, but he has expressed approval of my current weight. When I was about 15 - 20 pounds heavier I asked him how much more he thought I should lose and he said about 5 pounds but I obviously lost more than that.

@hopeful33250 Teresa, I really do not worry about my BMI at all, it is what it is. I concentrate more on the weight that I would like to be at, about 7 or 8 pounds lighter. I’ve been there and want to get back there, mainly because I have some very nice clothes that are awfully snug now!
JK

@contentandwell I love the quote that Teresa sent and I agree you have to feel good at your weight Ive lost a lot of weight in the past and didn't feel good but when I put the extra 15 lbs back on I felt good again

I understand, @contentandwell, losing your favorite clothing items because of a few pounds is discouraging.

Did not think this discussion, partly started by my prejudice topic, is still alive. I agree that within reason you should listen to your body, what it tells you about how your weight makes you feel. Other than pregnancies, and when stopping smoking, I had been stuck at a very healthy weight. Feeble attempts to drop some (10) lbs. never took hold. Then, 3 years ago due to some dental problems I fairly quickly dropped about 8 lbs., then eventually 4 more. Now I’m contentedly stuck again at the new, lower weight. I think the main benefit has been for my knees (both the TKR one, and the remaining -so far - good one.) Whenever I have to carry extra significant weight for a while, as in lugging a 2 gallon pump sprayer for an hour or 2, I can tell that those extra pounds do not feel good to me any more. And yes, my PCP never commented about my weight - I was always average, but he totally ignored the 12 lb. loss. However, he has known me for years, and that I tend to be fairly active, so I’m sure he saw no reason to suspect anything out of the ordinary, health-wise.

hopeful33250
So true...I can tell by the zipper on my jeans. Thank goodness for elastic waistbands.

FL Mary

Repeating here what @lioness just said. "Love the quote that Teresa sent and I agree you have to feel good at your weight".