What’s the Ideal BMI?
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- Опубліковано 5 січ 2021
- Is there a unisex chart to see what your optimal weight might be based on your height? How to calculate the ideal BMI.
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• The Best Knee Replacement Alternative for Osteoarthritis Treatment (nutritionfacts.org/video/the-b...)
• The Effects of Obesity on Back Pain, Blood Pressure, Cancer, and Diabetes (nutritionfacts.org/video/the-e...)
• The Effects of Obesity on Dementia, Brain Function, and Fertility (nutritionfacts.org/video/the-e...)
• The Effects of Obesity on Gallstones, Acid Reflux, and Cardiovascular Disease (nutritionfacts.org/video/the-e...)
• The Effects of Obesity on the Immune System and Kidney and Liver Diseases (nutritionfacts.org/video/the-e...)
• Is the Obesity Paradox Real or a Myth? (nutritionfacts.org/video/is-th...)
As a reminder, BMI doesn’t take composition of weight into account (fat versus muscle). I dive into this topic in my next video:: What’s the Ideal Waist Size? (nutritionfacts.org/video/whats....
While we should not understate the health risks that obesity raises-all of which are outlined in my series on the ABCs of obesity-we also recognize the effects that stigma against body size has on one’s health. We will have several videos to be released within the next few months covering issues of body shaming and how it affects not only mental health, but also access to healthcare.
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-Michael Greger, MD FACLM
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While we should not understate the health risks that obesity raises-all of which are outlined in my series on the ABCs of obesity-we also recognize the effects that stigma against body size has on one’s health. We will have several videos to be released within the next few months covering issues of body shaming and how it affects not only mental health, but also access to healthcare. And as a reminder, BMI doesn’t take composition of weight into account (fat versus muscle). I dive into this topic in my next video: What’s the Ideal Waist Size?
-NF Team
I should've figured to check the next video's title before questioning why muscle mass wasn't mentioned. Thanks for clearing it up.
Would you please talk about the “Smart BMI” a bit?
www.smartbmicalculator.com/why-sbmic.html
@@ScottCousland Thanks. That's a useful link I hadn't come across before.
Dr.greger you said in a video that vegans need to supplement dha. But vegan dha supplements aren't available in my country and shopping websites from other countries don't deliver here.What can I do?
If you eat a whole food plant based diet with a lot of variety you have a good chance you will be ok. Eating ground flax seeds and walnuts can help provide the essential amino acids. Hope this is helpful.
I switched to WFPB eating and lost 55 lbs over the course of one year without even trying. I went from a BMI of 30 to a BMI of 21.8 -- without calorie restriction, additional exercise or anything else. Just whole plant foods. It works!
YAY for you! That's fabulous...keep GOING!
What is WFPB
Whole Food Plant Based.
💥👏🏻
Didn’t work for me and my BMI has never been that low. I’d need to lose most of my muscle mass to have a BMI this low.
I’d like to see a study on chronic disease risk for overweight vegans compared to meat eaters with a BMI within the ideal range.
Overweight vegans within the ideal BMI range? Does that make sense?
Edit: Sorry, I hadn't read well and I misunderstood. Thanks for pointing that out.
@@Sergio2006A
I think that Kim is saying that he/she would like to see a study which compares the chronic disease risk for the following two demographics:
- overweight vegans
- meat-eaters at normal weight
I think that Kim is wanting researchers to test whether a vegan diet is more beneficial to human health even when one controls for BMI or the inverse - that an omnivorous diet is harmful even at a normal BMI.
@@Sergio2006A I think you misunderstood.
@@Sergio2006A I think you need to re-read what Kim wrote
Kim that would be a challenging study as vegans are not normally overweight.
Even in his “how not to diet book” he mentions that vegans are on average 40 pounds lighter then the rest of the population.
The best way to probably do that study would be to find non vegans who are athletes and compare them to overweight vegans (which again is not a lot of them)
But then the researchers would have to put in athletics as a factor as well for the study.
That quote by Lynn McAfee just blew my mind. Did she really did say that about science?
The so-called fat acceptance contingent is unfortunately fighting a losing battle and they are themselves, sadly the losers ultimately. Unless of course, they change their mind set and get active with another slightly more healthy one
You'd be surprised. So many people are perfectly happy to accept science when it's giving them smart phones or airplanes, but when it "tells them what to do" suddenly it can't be trusted.
People don’t want to face the truth. They don’t want to be told they need to change.
@@tgypoi you're not wrong
@Snow White well that's simply not true, Snow White. There's a whole chunk of weight loss and related nutritional and Fitness science you're missing there. I'd say that the data empirically manifesting otherwise is robust and decades-long. Of course the lifestyle change both during and after healthy weight is achieved, is key and the two most significant components of that are of course, diet and an exercise program, both of which must be followed consistently over the long-term.
However you are absolutely correct that it would be optimal if no one ever became overweight in the first place.
What are the health risks for a bmi under the ideal range? I love all your videos, but would love to see one showing studies on the risks of being underweight.
Risk of frailty as one ages.
For example anorectics die because their heart gives up, malnourished, dehydrated, dangerous combo. And that's apparently only the 2nd most common way to die. First cause is suicide. Pretty sure a BMI under 18 used to be classified as anorexic or bulimic.Now it seems to be 'we don't care about BMI, whatever makes you happy is good'. But is it though?
I want to know too! Also what to do if you eat the daily dozen/WFPB without restricting yourself, but is still underweight, and whether to worry about that.
This is what I have
None. That's what everybody wish for.
People looking at the chart like “damn WTF I thought I was doing something”
So what's about a bmi which is unter 20?.. you always talk about risks of obisity, but is underweight dangerous too?
yes of course underweight is dangerous, dont do that either, but its not an epidemic right now
the "normal" range is 18.5 to 24.9. SO that is "technically under 20 and still considered normal. Although I can say from personal experience I get really hungry/thinking about food more often when I start getting too low. Then again take that with a grain of salt, most of my adult life I was over weigh/obese. It has only been the last year plus a bit that I have been a "normal" bmi (actually in the middle of the range at 21.5)
one of many sites stating the range.
www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/diet-physical-activity/body-weight-and-cancer-risk/adult-bmi.html
20-22.1 is my sweet spot :) Trying to diet down to that range again
having a bmi of 24 or 25 is considered normal in the west but visually you are still fat at that range. asians use 23 as the cut off
its so strange, obesity is essentially the norm. Im seen people are overweight being told they are skinny because by comparison to most people they are
@@philm1640 when more people are becoming obese, the overweight will look skinny
@@philm1640 Yes, that's what makes some of the claims of societal oppression seem a bit hyperbolic. If you're overweight, you're just normal. If anything I've been the marginalized one most of my life as a thin person, it's much more common and accepted to be overweight than to be very thin.
Wait what? Haha no. WTF dude. I wear a US size 2 at a BMI of 27. Asians have a way smaller bone structure.
@@philm1640 people aren’t obese at a BMI of 24 or 25 nor do they look like it.
WFPB eating gave me the 21 BMI I now have and it only took a few months. Now is 5.5 years later. Highly recommended to all, everywhere.
@unsweetened cheerios Pro tip don't keep them at home. Motivation relies on availability.
@unsweetened cheerios I can only talk about ME and my issues. IF I have any sweets in the house or even bake them myself I will devour it within the day. SO my remedy is to not do that. After a few days of just healthy eating (WFPB) I loose my cravings for sweets. Before I started this journey it took longer more like a week or so till they subsided and it was no longer even a thought. Fast forward to today. On special occasions I will bake/buy something, but I still keep the practice of don't keep crap in the house. I just have a very low self control when it comes to certain things, and I just deal with it.
Like all things it takes some discipline. Just because a 2 year old cry's for something doesn't mean you should give in. I equate my body to a 2 year child, since the body doesn't know any better. It(body) is just giving hormonal signals, and not using the brain/body fat to mitigate the messages.
@unsweetened cheerios Fruit. I eat lots of fruit. Breakfast had bananas and cranberries and blueberries in it. Lunch will have one or three apples after I eat my "Nottingham Salad" (Jane Esselstyn) sandwich. After supper I'll have a piece or two of fruit for desserts. Every fruit has protein and fiber as well as the sweetness of natural plant sugars.
If you want a sweeter fruit--heat it up, or let it get riper. The closer to spoiling any fruit is, the sweeter it will be.
The ULTIMATE sweet fruit is dates. Dates are wonderful cravings busters and COMPLETELY healthy. Don't stop if you get some "mediocre" dates, buy the good ones--oh such a delight. Mind the pits.
@unsweetened cheerios Dates like Wade said!
I love how Dr Greger keeps his cool, even when addressing controversial topics 😎 Thank you for giving us the truth without sugarcoating 💖
Love yourself enough to get healthy.
Thanks for the video. I had been thinking upon this subject for quite awhile and knew that the ideal range is not so ideal but this video was really on point!
I think the issue fat activists care about is social and medical discrimination against fat people; often fat people who are experiencing health problems are not properly evaluated, just being told to lose weight, even if the weight isn't the underlying issue. This is dangerous because then they can't get treatment for real medical issues that require treatment
Alot of doctors just suck these days. They're way over booked and if you're not a textbook case they just don't have time to care. I've never been obese (even by this crazy chart) and have had doctors just waiting for me to stop talking so they can leave. Edit: (They look at my tests and say "Congratulations you're perfectly healthy!" and ignore my chronic pains)
@@mairzydoats4879 I agree with you about how they treat people who aren't textbook cases. I'm also sorry about your situation. Definitely switch doctors! Low BMI isn't always an indicator of health and high BMI doesn't mean you aren't facing issues that don't have to do with weight. I have Crohn's disease for example, and it often makes people who have it skinny (or even underweight if it's really bad). I also find it appalling that a fat person who has non-weight-related health issues is considered not textbook. Like being fat doesn't mean you can't have rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, etc.
@@smudge8882 I agree, doctors should work *with* people no matter what their conditions are or why. I have switched doctors several times with little luck (all the good doctors move or retire). It's no wonder why quack science is making a comeback. The trust and communication seems to erode more every day. It's a just another business here, if they can't make a diagnosis on the first visit most insurances won't pay the bill.
Thank you for sharing all this important science :)
Going to 20BMI or lower without enough muscle mass, will give you higher chance or bone fracture, just weight loss alone at all costs is not recommended, fat loss is the key, not just weight loss.
When you lose weight you first start losing fat anyways. And then who cares about losing weight when they reached 20BMI?
The BMI indicator is not for a muscle people. It's for average Joe that goes to work 9-5, and do a little exercise on the weekend. If you feel you are muscular or you can see your abs even though only 2 packs at the top, than you are fit no matter whats your BMI is. You should use body fat indicator
This doctor is brave, does not mince words.
I like how this video is delivered.
Such an excellent speaker
Thank you so much for making this video. I'm sick of the "health at every size" crowd preaching dangerous misinformation.
I agree with most of what Dr Greger says, but I believe it's the case that people with extremely different body compositions can have the same BMI? While I believe BMI may be a valuable tool in assessing one's health, it'll be nice to see a video on the downsides of BMI. BMI clearly doesn't tell the whole story
Is there any literature on people who have spent 10-20years being obese and turn it around to having a health BMI?
A part the excess skin there is no excuse
I believe that the research of Roberta Russell roughly fits your query.
She has looked at some statistics, if my memory does not deceive me.
Not exactly sure what you are asking tho.
One of her key points is that the ones who can keep the weight of are the ones who are willing to go straight edge. If you compromise the quality of diet, you don't get far or you relapse. Some exercise will be part of a lean lifestyle, but don't worry, its not how you loose the weight, no point in destroying joints with heavy loads.
Her message doesn't differ noticeably from nutrition facts dot org
www.permanentweightloss.org/
Risk of chronic diseases decreases and life expectancy increases.
It's never too late to experience the benefits of excercise, healthy diet and decreased bodyfat.
It is so refreshing to see a scientist tell it as it is, not as it is comfortable for the population to hear. Congratulations Dr. Greger on your amazing work and role in educating America through the science of nutrition. Your videos have been invaluable to me in my own journey.
I lost 27 pounds from March to September. While I normally eat less and exercise more during the warmer months of the year, the pandemic motivated me to avoid all junk foods and restaurant foods, which I will continue to do until it's over. I've gained back just 3 of the pounds I've lost. While the colder weather means a larger appetite and less exercise for me, I'm still avoiding junk food. Yes, it's possible to get through November and December without the holiday treats. I'm using my larger appetite to eat a greater quantity and variety of healthy foods.
0:56 nontraumatic death.
I'm fairly sure dying of a heart attack is traumatic.
Another excellent video
Yes I agree. I developed a few chronic diseases at a bmi of 23 and 24. I'm a 5ft 9 inch woman. I went pesco vegetarian. I'm now at a bmi of 21. My arthritis is gone. I feel great. I'm looking to take off 5 more pounds.
What about the BMI of 22? Did you feel healthy
I’m 5’9, and even when I was running 5k, lifting weights daily, having a good intake of healthy foods, and just generally felt amazing, I never went below 160lbs as an adult. To think that my ideal weight should be 135-149 is unfathomable. Essentially, I would need to have very little muscle mass, and very little fat mixed together to reach that weight, and I personally would rather die earlier than live my life not being strong enough to do basic movements and work around the house.
Yeah, it's a general estimate. You're probably fine in the 160s. I am and I'm also 5'9".
I'm also 5'9 but I notice at 160 I tend to have more fat in my chest and waist line. I generally feel best at 150.
But each person carries their weight differently too. Do what's best for you.
At population level, median BMI should be between 21 to 23. Towards 21 for industrialized countries and towards 23 for countries where many people have to do to physical works for living. For individuals, 18.5 to 24.9 is healthy.
This is an interesting comment you make. Asian BMI scales (accounting for non 1st world countries) are actually lower than the USA/western scales, so maybe you have it flipped? What is normal in the USA is overweight on Asian BMI scales.
@@kathryntsai5017 Those median values are not based on ethnicity. Median means the middle value (though for population, median and mean BMI are same thing usually). For example a median BMI of 21 means half the population will be below 21 and half of them over 21. In terms of health, median BMI of 21 is ideal, smaller number of people will be overweight (BMI>24.9) in that case. But the problem is, in that case a larger number of people will be below 18.5. These people (BMI
Is 19 bmi okay?
The body-mass index (BMI) value associated with the lowest risk for all-cause mortality is now 27, up from 24 in the 1970s, according to a large Danish cohort study. That means the lowest-risk BMI is now in the overweight category, said Børge Nordestgaard, MD, of Copenhagen University, Denmark, and colleagues in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
I thought I was slender! Now I need to lose 5 pounds!
Those numbers are crazy! My weight has to be 1 kg lower than at the end of high school and back then I was ripped and skinny with a 6 pack...
Thanks!
You can be overweight according to BMI and have an acceptable hip waist ratio. You can also be an ideal weight and be flabby. BMI doesn't show the full picture.
Having gone from a BMI of nearly 27 to 22 I can testify on how much better you feel and look getting to a properly healthy weight. Aiming to drop to the option of 21 but that is very hard to do. The charts work for me. But my husband looks gaunt at the same BMI as me. He’s fit but he is not muscly. Surely men need more leeway for bigger muscles and wider heavier bones? The old insurance weight charts were better in my opinion. They allowed for larger or smaller frames and different weights for the sexes. The healthy weight range was the same but it stopped at a BMI of 22, the new charts allow us to think we are healthy at a higher weight.
I'd be interested in a video focusing on the implications of musculature when considering BMI. Although obesity acceptance groups do try to challenge the adoption of the BMI chart as an important tool for assessing health risks, I think the greater challenge is the large population of middling-athletic males who commonly share the notion that the BMI chart is useless due to its inability to differentiate adipose from muscle.
I only see obese black women rejecting the validity of BMI.
IAmAgainst It is invalid if you are muscular. You can have be ripped while classed as overweight by BMI.
@@Itachikeyser99 So? I doubt someone could confuse a bodybuilder as morbidly obese because of his BMI.
But does having excess muscle improve longevity? Likely not.
@@smilebot484 Surely not.
I'm about 15 pounds overweight. But I've been lifting weights and strength training for years. But I'll still look at healthier options in my diet.
Where can i find a reliable BMI chart there's a lot online and they all seem slightly different from the other?
Question: Why can't I download the Daily Dozen app on the UK App Store? I can download it from the UK Google Play Store. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the info, doc! I just calculated my likely BMI and it's under 21(20.2), so I'm guessing that should be OK when it comes to general risk factors. It's really too bad that science deniers seem to rule the US and not just the body acceptance movement.
The end of the video was fcking amazing 😂 how not surprising that that woman would say that! Amazing
Interesting video. I'd be curious to see one that highlights the health risks associated with being underweight. I am 25 and have a BMI of 17.2, could it affect my health in the future?
You should aim for the healthiest + most attractive according to men, which for women is 19.6 - 20.2
@@JohnSmith-hm8xlyou cannot be serious that weight is basically impossible for most working women to maintain
@@KamikazekaitoKoki Yes you can maintain that. Dont use BMI calculator, but the New BMI calculator. It's healthy and the body fat is not that small. But below 19.6 is too much and hard to maintain. Below 19.6 is like a model or Kpop model :)
@@KamikazekaitoKoki BMI 19.6 - 20.2 is what I called the sweet spot when you are not regularly exercise or weight training. And you think you don't have low body fat ratio, or you think you don't have a toned body. But if you think you are toned, you can see your pack on your abs, than BMI is not matter anymore. If you are a regular Joe that work 9-5 and rarely exercise, BMI 19.6-20.2 is normal. You can see yourself at mirror that your cheek fat is normal, you can see the jawline, you are not thin or look fat :). It is safe
I like the BMI, same as I like getting on the scale. That's because I lost 60 pounds and my BMI went from 30 to 22. Woo hoo!
I read that it is better for old people to have a few extra pounds as a cushion in case of a health problem that might cause them to lose a lot of weight.
Hoga Gregger there exist normal BMI but with high percentage fat, what do you think about that?
I am at 17 - 18.5 BMI which is underweight but I am in great health. Should I be worried?
I was about 18.5 and felt great and did 20+ onehanded pushups. Is there a research on people with similar BMI but healthy eating patterns{ not cocaine induced low weight, or alcohol smoking, anorexia etc. I wonder if our definition of too low is based on modern overweigh perception of normal, especially in north America. On the other hand we shouldn't go in the other direction without proper research.
No, as long as you're vegan all health risk markers lose all validity.
@@UntakenNick I am. I think you are right. I do keep to Dr. Gregor's advice and sometimes eat so much I feel like I overeated and I never get above 54 kilos. I wasn't worried until an acquaintance told me I am too skinny.
No. If you want to improve, gain you muscle and try to aim for the most attractive bmi according to men, which is 19.6. But it looks better if you get a bit toned
@@JohnSmith-hm8xl in the year since I posted, my bmi did increase and I am still vegan but I started eating more peanuts and fried foods
You should do one on how few people actually suffer from being underweight in the US. So often I see that used as fear mongering against people who are trying to make healthy changes (and are nowhere near underweight).
Yup. Last I checked, 32% of American adults were obese with another 41% being "only" overweight. That's 73% of American adults. All but 3 out of every 4 people. We've become desensitized to it more than we realize.
The percentage of underweight adults in the US is less than 2%. Around 40% are obese and a whopping 70% are overweight (including obese). So yes, I agree that there's a lot of fear mongering regarding lower weights when that's not even as big of an issue for us in this country as overweightness is.
So we just gonna ignore bodybuilders, who have a lower body fat percentage than almost anyone, but have a bmi of over 25 solely because of muscle mass. That's what I call healthy obesity, and that's why i like the body fat percentage metric more.
There is a difference between overweight & obesity. And Weight fluctuates A LOT sometimes, especially with the menstrual cycle of women. That being said in my point of view it is not worth splitting hairs over 5 pounds above ideal weight when it comes to health but let’s be honest the vast majority of overweight or obese people do not cary around extra pounds as lean mass.
Yes, since 5 pounds above the ideal weight (as defined in the video, BMI 20-22) would still place you in the normal range, not overweight.
I doubt that that fluctioation is because of body fat, its most likely to be water retention
I thought I was 10kg overweight, but according to this I'm 20kg over?! Fuuuuu
Same. For me even 25kg 😂
I often hover above the normal weight line, so to hear I am not just 5-10lbs overweight but more like 30lbs? Sucks. I feel like I don't have that much on me to lose
I wear a size 2 at 20 pounds overweight. The BMI is a random measure. It’s not even based on any facts. The important measures like muscle mass, water weight and subcutaneous fat aren’t even considered in this.
Wow I know this study, and the gist of it is that the ideal BMI is even a bit lower. But that's for people of *all* ages. For people below 40 21 or little higher is better and for above that above 21
And they don't care how much it costs the rest of us in health care premiums either.
FWIW, at 5'11" and 174 my BMI was 21. Measured with calipers by a clinician. Don't know where that chart came from, but I can't imagine a "unisex" BMI chart having much validity. Just too much difference in muscle density/proportion between men and women. If I had lost another 16 pds I'm pretty sure I'd have been in the single digits.
Is BMI more important than body fat percentage though? Are there studies looking at people with obese BMIs with different muscle masses?
Especially BMI is not accurate for people with high muscle mass, Arnold was obese based on BMI. 🤣
@@Julottt Not sure that's a good argument against BMI, since heavy abuse of anabolic steroids is required to be "Obese" at
This should be covered in the next video. The description says: "As a reminder, BMI doesn’t take composition of weight into account (fat versus muscle). I dive into this topic in my next video:: What’s the Ideal Waist Size?"
Usually your doc can look at you and determine if you are an Olympic weightlifter or an Olympic weight
@@Julottt do you think he was healthy back then and today?
I'm (nearly) 70 yrs old, and have lived most of my adult life overweight (190-210 lb), but not obese. At 6 ft tall, the chart shows my weight should be closer to 160. My question is....would losing this weight this (relatively) late in life be with the effort?
Apparently having a bit of extra weight later in life can be protective. Dr Fuhrman talks about this. Probably making some small tweaks could bring it within normal range without too much trouble. The easiest approach other than eating plant based is to reduce the feeding window. Check out his videos on intermittent fasting or time restricted eating
Gene Hackman made it and has lived for 93 years, he's very skinny, but he's also healthy, so why shouldn't you be able to make it?
I’ve gone from a bmi of 55 to 30 and boy am I stuck!
I am interested in seeing how muscle mass affects BMI. I'm 6'1", and 205 lbs. My BMI is 27 by the charts, so I know I have some work to do. My target is 185, but that only gets me to normal range. The ideal mentioned of 167 or under seems unrealistic. My lowest adult weight ever was 166 when I was a 19 year old sailor sweating it out in the Indian Ocean. And I nowhere near the muscle mass that I have since gained. Do I need to lose the muscle? Or am I over thinking the importance of ideal BMI and should just stick to my target goal?
You don’t need to lose the muscle, but you do need to maintain a healthy body fat percentage. BMI isn’t strictly accurate.
Body fat percentage is a better indicator of health for muscular individuals. Stick to a whole food plant based diet and your body will normalize you to your ideal weight
@@alcyonae BMI *is* an approximate indicator of body fat in the absence of an actual determination.
I do believe bmi has its purpose but if you are normal bmi and eat crap that would be worse than slightly overweight and eating wfpb
hmm I wouldn't be so sure about that but it's definitely an interesting question.
@@o0oSM00THo0o it’s true. You can be normal weight and have way too much visceral fat. That’s what causes diabetes, heart disease and so on.
@@CherryJuli that was not the question.
@@o0oSM00THo0o yes it was. It’s way better to eat healthy and be a bit heavier than being skinny and only eating garbage.
LOVE THAT....
i'm into muscle building but my bmi is still under 24 and i want to make sure to keep it under 25, but i was shocked to see that a bmi as low as 18.9 being the level for optimal health.... WOW!!!!
Not the best but ok enough and better than being overweight. 20-22 is perfection.
As a healthy person with a BMI of 18.1...we exist you know. It's just I have a narrower frame.
The BMI indicator is not for a muscle people. It's for average Joe that goes to work 9-5, and do a little exercise on the weekend. If you feel you are muscular or you can see your abs even though only 2 packs at the top, than you are fit no matter whats your BMI is. You should use body fat indicator
Bmi doesn't take account of bone and muscle weight. Not all 175cm people have the same bones/muscles.
That's true, but most people aren't gigantic bodybuilders so even if you workout and have a few extra kilos of muscle it won't make the BMI scale useless.
@@caafktda In my case I have slimmer bones from guys shorter than me so my healthy bmi range should be lower.
This argument keeps comming up the moment BMI is even mentioned. It is a SCALE and a scientific scale has what they call an error factor. Now for BMI it has a 95% signficance scale meaning 95% op the population will be within the error margine of the scale making it pretty reliable. But yes 5% of the people might fall outside of the margine. That is why they recommend not to use it as the ONLY way to measure, and they add other techniques to do a proper diagnose. Like a hight to hip ratio (99% acurate).
Bone weight
@@unholyquail4560 It's not only about having bigger bones than average in a certain height but also smaller than average on that height. In my case I think I have lighter bones so I should be on a lower bmi to be healthier.
Next video!
If I got down to between 147 and 162 I'd look like skeletor!!😬😱💀
And now my journey begins...
That BMI ideal weight chart is insane. It's so low. I'd have to starve myself to reach that weight since my appetite is unrelenting. I try to eat a ton of vegetables to help, but they seem to have the opposite effect of making me feel even hungrier than when I ate them. I assume it's because of the calorie content disparity between them and the foods I crave afterwards. Also how does muscle mass factor into this equation? I'd have to assume that's it's obviously better than fat, but does it still have a negative effect past a certain threshold?
Also didn't you do a livestream on bone fractures that said that a higher BMI in the normal range is protective from factures? With that in mind, would you still recommend people to be that low? A BMI of 24.9 is normal, but the BMI being suggested is 22 maximum. I'd venture a guess that muscle mass gained within that window would only be beneficial for health (18.5-24.9 BMI). So what's the problem with the higher BMIs? Also would muscle mass past 25 BMI be that detrimental?
See the comment up here for the margin of error of BMI
As I late 20s male it was not to hard to reach BMI of 18.3 until I abandoned my routine. I was ripped. Even now eating normally my BMI is 21 at the most, so I guest everyone's situation is different. And when I say not hard it's kind of misleading because I was kind of religious about exercise and diet.
@Tehstool. It’s a gender neutral chart. If you can’t accept it check your privilege. There is no biological difference between Men and women. You are vastly overweight.
@@rogerc23 I don't know if you are being sarcastic but in case you're not, there are differences between biological men and women, especially in fat to bodyweight ratio.
@@user-zf9wq9gn6e No there isn’t. Look at the chart transphone.
oh my... 101 lbs to much - guess what's my goal for 2021
BMI scale is too generous, 18 -> 20 is where the magic happens
I hate how these charts don't go beyond 6"4...
BMI doesn't take into account muscle. You could have a 6 pack and have a BMI of 25. You can also have a BMI of 20 and be skinny fat. So is it just the mass or the fat?
Coming back to this, my bmi is 21 and I just constantly feel ugly and non-essential in life. Best for health but what about physical attraction?
Are you a man or a woman? I think that would make a difference.
@@scholarlyanalyst7700 man. Makes a huge difference.
@@godemperormeow8591 Two Things. 1. First of all, judging by what I have informally researched online, the optimal BMI for an ordinary male (presumably non- athletic) is roughly 22 or 22.5 (producing the best health outcomes!). So, you can still notch yours up a bit. 2. World class sprinters are extremely healthy-looking with nicely toned muscles. They look very athletic and THEIR BMI's are in the 23 - 24 range.
So, if I were you, I would add a little bit of weight training while shooting for BMI 23 (maybe slightly higher?). That's what I will do. The goal is DEFINITELY not to look like a bodybuilder. I know I don't want that for myself (I am male, too!). But modestly muscular (lean muscle) while not looking like a 99-pound wet noodle I think would be ideal! Try to look like the world-class sprinters and adopt THEIR BMI's! Make it a goal!
Just make time for the gym. I have a busy schedule. But my health is too important at this stage. So, I will treat the gym as a priority - even if it has to cut into UA-cam time (and other non-essentials!). It's not like you'd have to go to the gym everyday, either! Maybe twice-a-week (for a significant amount of time each trip) should suffice. If you can make it 3 times a week - even better! But I would understand you not making it down 3 times a week!
Currently, my day off is Friday. So, I plan on making it down to the gym every Friday (minimum!) after receiving my latest booster and flu shots! If I can squeeze in an additional day in-between most weeks, great! That would make my routine about 2 days a week. I assume I will adapt my schedule accordingly!
@@scholarlyanalyst7700 Will do.
@@godemperormeow8591 Excellent! Just read my last few sentences (I am not sure you got those since I added them a little bit later?). Also, Disclaimer: My advice is by no means licensed advice! The "official" line would be to tell you to consult your doctor before you go on any exercise plan since your doctor would be most intimately aware of your physical limitations (back problems, or whatever ailments you might have that might partly confine your exercise plan?). I am sure a simple phone call would suffice? If you get the OK from your doctor for unrestricted exercise, you're good to go!
OK, but what's the ideal IBM?
1:14 (BMI 20-22, with some indications that the lower end of the range is better)
Ok. I am at an BMI of 25 and my weight is fairly constant (within limits) for the last 20 years. Doc..how should I lose weight without fastin? you said it yourself that fasting is contraproductive. I nourish myself whole food, plant based and I have the digestive system of a compost heap because of the big quantity of fibre intake. Yet I occasionally sin with a veggie pizza (cheese) and a pint of beer (life is useless without a good pizza once in a while)...I hike and cycle and I can completely wreck people half my age on the bike let alone the ones that are my age (who whine and weep about it)....so less calories? I guess so... or less nuts
use Chronobiology : Breakfast Like a King, Lunch Like a Prince, Dinner Like a Pauper
ua-cam.com/video/9zNRcgsagrs/v-deo.html
Everyone becomes interested in health when faced with a health crisis or adverse health event.
I must confess that health is not my priority when comes to controling my eating. My BMI is 24.57 and I want it to be 22. I'm just terrified by the idea of being overweight. I don't think I could bear the social stigma.
Unrelated, but Dr. Dre probably had an aneurysm because he doesn't eat meat and wasn't supplementing his diet with B12. Family, please, take your B12 if on plant based diet.
He probably had an aneurysm due to plaque buildup in his brain from earlier in life.
How about BMI in individuals that have higher than average muscle density? I find BMI is based on individuals that do not workout, hence the lower weight scale recommended by a healthy BMI. Say a person that lifts moderate weights, does cardio and eats WFPB... that person would have higher muscle density (so, would weigh more since muscle is much denser than fat) so he or she would usually come off as overweight or even obese on the BMI scale...
Is the ideal weight chart for men or women or both?
He said unisex, so both
@@androz38 Oh, I missed that, thank you!
79 kg max weight for me as 192cm tall guy x.x
Currently I weight in around 104kg... as if I need to lose 25kg
Holy moly, upper range of 167lbs at 6'1"? Even that upper range is well within "You're a scrawny vegan" territory. I've been trying to gain muscle, I'm currently closer to 175lbs, but I have pretty defined abs so hopefully my bodyfat isn't high enough to be unhealthy. And even then, if I say my height/weight on actual bodybuilding forums, I'm laughed out of the room as a scrawny b*tch.
yes, the current idea of an attractive body is not actually the healthiest body to live in. i do think in order to put on so much muscle as some of these body builders do your igf-1 levels must be through the roof, prepping you up for cancer. the amount of bcaa's and methionine rich poteins they consume is very unhealthy, look up dr. gregers videos on bcaa's and why methionine restriction might be very healthy. low body weight, low bodyfat, low igf-1 and resting glucose levels, a slow metabolism RATHER then a fast one might be key to longevity. a diet rich in fiber, beans, fruit, vegetables (especially leafy greens) and low in saturated fat, moderate in (plant!) protein and unsaturated fatty acids (especially mono unsaturated, found in abundance in avocado, nuts, seeds, olives) does just that.
@@Lyn-ud3qe Resistance exercise is still ultimately healthy when done properly though. So I wouldn't discount it just because some people overdo some aspects of it.
@@Tehstool absolutely! resistance training is absolutely necessary for bone health and insulin sensitivity and more. i wasnt talking about the training aspect of it but the harmful nutrition advice and body image.
If these numbers are to be believed and accurate, it tells you (us) just how thin humans were for eons. A “fit”
Individual someone back 200,000
Years ago would have looked extremely well fed, maybe unbelievably so.
I guess we all looked like the San Bushpeople body wise thousands and thousands of years ago.
The BMI is a dumb measure based on well, French men in the 18th century. I’m weight lifting too and if I was in those ridiculous BMI ranges I’d need to lose most of my muscle mass. 😂
The word "fit" Quite interesting how defined?
I just love you! My BMI is below 20 and my oncologist wants me to eat ice cream and gain 5 pounds sigh 😞
I think you should stay above 20, I'm aiming for a BMI of 21 right now I'm at 18.5 so right on the border of underweight 😱
If you feel good at your weight and have enough energy why bother? That ice cream will only make feel sick. If you need to add weight, add some muscle, eat more of the healthy foods and do basic compound movements like squats deadlifts pushups and rows.
That's stupid. If you feel like to gain weight, get it with muscle. More muscle, more calories can be burned, fast metabolism, stronger bone. If you still haven't married, the ideal bmi for a fit or bit toned women is between 19.6 - 20.2
How can any intelligent person hate science?
What about people with a large amount of lean muscle mass ?
The next video will address that!
At 6'1" 190 lbs my body will be at peak performance with BMI of 25. That is 6-pack abs and half marathon level of fitness for me. If your body is fit with more than average muscle mass then BMI is a poor measurement.
That depends on how much muscle mass. My gage for ultimate health is the fastest runners in the world. They all have nice-looking, lean builds. They don't at all look gaunt. And I don't think any of them has your BMI of 25 (not quite, any way!).
From my informal 'study' of world-class sprinting BMI's, most were around BMI 23 (give-or-take); and they ALL have muscle. They aren't body builders with extreme muscle (I definitely don't want to look THAT extreme any way - and I am a guy!).
I guess my point is that BMI is fairly useful (if not always deadly precise?) for a pretty large range of society - including many variety of athlete! Just bear-in-mind that long-term studies suggest the optimal BMI for the typical male (presumably non-athletic or very modestly athletic at best!) tends to fall in the (21 - 22) range. Throw a little added athletic muscle on them and this transitions into the (23 - 24) one typically sees for world-class sprinters (not an official scientific study but based on my anecdotal 'research'!). But of course, once you start to get extreme body-builder type muscle, BMI will start to break down for sure!
@@scholarlyanalyst7700 You are smart. I like you. I also agree that ideal/healthy muscle for male is at 23.3 of bmi max. And for toned women I think around 20.2 - 21.5
@@JohnSmith-hm8xl I concur that approximate range. In fact, a BMI of 23 (or 23.3 or somewhere in that range?) is a dime-a-dozen in the realm of world class sprinters. And they are all athletic and moderately muscular (not incredible hulk muscular!). You are approximately right about the women, too!
"We're here, we're sphere" lmfao
Time to eat more greens......
What about muscle mass? Strong, athletic people appear overweight according to BMI.
Garmin says my BMI is 18.6 this morning. :-D
1:10 ideal BMI 20-22; 1:23 chart yikes!
"...God I hate science".... this speaks volumes of our 'merican culture today - goes beyond than just nutrition and health.
BMI is not always the most accurate measurement. I’m about 2 pounds away from a BMI of 25 and I have visible abs
They are not the greatest abs but they are visible
Interesting, and I am happy for you because I am at the highest "normal" BMI and I still look overweight.
What we don't know is how much fat is inside your muscles. In one study, low-fat vegans had much lower levels of intramyocellular lipids. But yes, some people do have bigger frames and thicker bones at the same height.
Abs start popping at below 15% body fat, so maybe you could have another 20 or 30 pounds to lose, and that could put you at a bmi of 23 or lower
The BMI indicator is not for a muscle people. It's for average Joe that goes to work 9-5, and do a little exercise on the weekend. If you feel you are muscular or you can see your abs even though only 2 packs at the top, than you are fit no matter whats your BMI is. You should use body fat indicator
they: *hits caps* "WE'RE HERE, WE'RE SPHERE"
me: 😳burn it with fire (they make good fuel 🤓)
At about 10% body fat, I'm 182CM and 98.5Kg. I'm large/heavy framed, and naturally carry much more muscle mass than average. Does that mean I'm doomed to a short life?
no
I dont believe you are at 10% body fat, unless you look like arnold Schwarzenegger
@@gerardoesquivel9919 According to my last DEXA scan that's exactly what it is when I'm in the 97.5-99.5Kg weigh range.
Dr. Greger, are you in the ideal body weight range?
Can sudden change to vegan lifestyle cause hairfall?
Sudden changes of any type can cause your hair to fall out.
Michael stays boss
Great video Dr Greger! Thank you.
What about people with high BMI because they have high muscle mass and low body fat (i.e. Using FFMI instead of BMI)? Thanks again!
Well I think the core is you probably should not aim for some BMI number after all. That way you're trying to artificially drop it down against your current health "trend". These numbers are more of an observation. So if you eat veeeery healthy then your body will gravitate to this low BMI. So eating healthy should always be the first decision not, going on some restrictive diet. Just replacing foods with healthier things will probably do most of the work.
But these numbers speak for themselves. Evolutionary speaking adding fat tissue to your body is a physiological risk you take to survive some harsh climate or event or time of lack. It comes with problems and today we basically don't need to take that risk which after all is very ineffective and just a last resort to survive famine.
This "optimum" BMI is not realistic for a 5'11, 181 lbs, athlete who has good eating habits and a naturally large body frame. That chart suits better males of small or average build.
The way he trails his words hurts my heart and is midly frustrating
Very informative video. Although I think the part about healthy obesity in the video is too short and a bit confusing. There are lots of very fit and in particular muscular men and women who train several times a week, eat plant based and have a bmi slightly above 24/25 (e.g cross fitters, weight-lifter, but also just people who train with weights). Considering what you said, they should lower their body weight in order to be healthier. But eating less calories per day often means not performing well in training anymore, for women maybe losing their period etc. So it seemes confusing for me that there's really no healthy obesity..
We need to stop normalising excess weight. So many people will
Just see that they are in the ‘normal’ BMI range and believe that they are safe.
Has Greger ever shared his bmi? With him walking so much (and never hear him say if he resistance trains), I always wonder.
But for vegans to avoid weak bones it was 22.5
Weight bearing exercise should allow for a lower BMI without the associated bone fracture risk.
@@michaelme3 how does building muscle mass allow for a lower weight.
@@CherryJuli You can have strong muscles and bones without being heavy. You may be heavier than if you didn't have strength but you don't need to be an enormous body builder.