Captxray, the problem with BMI, as stated above, is that it does not take into account individual body composition. Arnold Schwarzeneger would probably be considered overweight by the BMI. But we all know he's mostly muscle.

That's what bothers me about these studies coming out comparing low-carb to low-fat dieting. They only compare weight lost. As I can atest, on low-fat, I lost fat and lean muscle mass and felt terrible. On low-carb I lost primarily fat and gained muscle mass. For a 30 pound change both times, my body shape changed much more on low-carb than low-fat (6 sizes vs. 2 sizes respectively).

So, please, just because some arbitrary numbers say you are nearly obese, trust your mirror, it's much more accurate.

;-Deb

I think BMI is alright if you are on the small boned side like me (size 8 feet). If I say I am 5'11" instead of 5'10" the BMI numbers are pretty much correct for me, but as I say I am small boned.

I think bodyfat % is the right way to pick a goal. My goal is under 17%. Now, I just have find a way to have my body fat measured decently.

I think I'm beginning to agree with you! I KNOW I've lost more inches, and gained more lean body tissue than I did when I lost 117 pounds on Weight Watchers about 20 years ago. I see myself in the mirror and know that I'm NOT overweight! Now, the BFI seems to be a good indicator and I have stabilized at about 25%...which is too high and I want to lower that, rather than worry about the weight. However, I KNOW that I lost a LOT of FAT when I lost the weight, because I was about 55% BFI when I started this WOE. BMI, SHMEE-MI...I am starting to believe what I see in the mirror and what I feel every day of my life...and what I can do, now, that I could never have done "before." All I know is that the good Doctor made public information of something that has saved MY life, because of what he did. I think a lot of us owe Dr. Atkins more than we could ever imagine, even if he did become rich and famous (infamous?) because of it. I'm glad he did and was able to enjoy some of it before his untimely demise.