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So, I was reading This Article on weight, and then followed their link to the online BMI calculator. and assuming a height of 5'11" and a weight of 185lbs, it tells me that I'm just over the 'overweight' line.
And to be honest, I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that.
I'll be the first one to say that Americans' opinion on appearance and health is more than a little bit skewed. The Media (monolithic entity that it is) tells us what pretty is, but the image it paints is hardly realistic and, at least for my part, not all that attractive in practice. people are over-concerned with what the numbers on the scale say and not interested enough in how healthy they actually are.
I think I'm fairly healthy. I don't think I get tired out too quickly from activity, I don't think I'm particularly unhealthy. I do know I could eat better, if I took the time and applied effort. And I could certainly benefit from exercising a bit. And I guess, if pushed, I do think I'd feel better about my weight if it were more like 160 or 170.
But even at that, I think the 25.5 or whatever the BMI comes up as on my guestimated measurements (I may be closer to 190lbs these days, but I don't know the last time my height was accurately measured) is getting me more down than I think it should.
I don't want to be fat. And I don't think I am. But... -shrugs-
And to be honest, I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that.
I'll be the first one to say that Americans' opinion on appearance and health is more than a little bit skewed. The Media (monolithic entity that it is) tells us what pretty is, but the image it paints is hardly realistic and, at least for my part, not all that attractive in practice. people are over-concerned with what the numbers on the scale say and not interested enough in how healthy they actually are.
I think I'm fairly healthy. I don't think I get tired out too quickly from activity, I don't think I'm particularly unhealthy. I do know I could eat better, if I took the time and applied effort. And I could certainly benefit from exercising a bit. And I guess, if pushed, I do think I'd feel better about my weight if it were more like 160 or 170.
But even at that, I think the 25.5 or whatever the BMI comes up as on my guestimated measurements (I may be closer to 190lbs these days, but I don't know the last time my height was accurately measured) is getting me more down than I think it should.
I don't want to be fat. And I don't think I am. But... -shrugs-
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Date: 2006-10-17 07:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-10-17 07:54 pm (UTC)I don't think it's the only bit, but I think their vocabularly is problematic. What does 'overweight' mean?
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Date: 2006-10-17 07:56 pm (UTC)But also remember that BMI is a very basic calculation. It can't tell the difference between water weight, fat weight, and muscle weight. It can't tell whether you're short and big boned or tall and willowy. Something as simple as height to weight ratio can't be seen as anything more than a guideline. As long as you're healthy overall, its not anything to get hung up on.
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Date: 2006-10-17 08:18 pm (UTC)Speaking of Commencement, I just stumbled upon This One" (http://www.wm.edu/news/?id=3650) by Jon Stewart and thought it was pretty funny. Especially the part where he says 'terror' is not a noun. *shakes his head and chuckles*
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Date: 2006-10-17 08:02 pm (UTC)Still, if it's getting you down, you could always try to make a minor lifestyle change - something that works for you as opposed to something drastic that you won't stick with. You said you wanted to get back into running - why not try going for a short jog once or twice a week? If nothing else, the endorphins will make you feel better.
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Date: 2006-10-17 08:20 pm (UTC)O.o
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Date: 2006-10-18 01:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-10-18 07:38 am (UTC)Oh, and I'm 1 point away from being obese. I know I'm overweight, but I still know what my feet look like.
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Date: 2006-10-18 08:43 pm (UTC)Two cents
Date: 2006-10-20 02:18 am (UTC)Just do whatever it is that makes your body feel good, you know? If you feel good now, stay that way, if you're tired or whatnot, make some changes.
*I* think you're cuddly. And that's always a good thing.
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Date: 2006-10-20 02:35 am (UTC)-laughs-
You and I, we have to get together and have dinner at Cracjer Barrel again sometime. Well, I guess it needn't be Cracker Barrel. And much less with the traffic. -nods to this-
^_^ Good seeing you around more these days.
no subject
Date: 2006-10-20 04:59 pm (UTC)