What do you all think about the validity of weight charts.I was looking at one that was associated with the trainers from the television show "The Biggest Loser" I'm 5'11" and the only info it had is that the low end weight (for smaller frames?) should be 137 lbs. Thank goodness I'm not considered small frame.However,the highest (for larger frames?) is 178 lbs. which still seems kind of low to me.
I distinctly remember my doctor telling me it would be okay to get down to 205 lbs. which I think is still a little high but we'll see. Any thoughts?

They're guidelines, not hard rules. If your doctor says you're healthy, even if your weight is higher than what the chart says, that's all that really matters.

The vast majority of weight charts are based upon an insurance study done during the late 40's and early 1950's when Americans - as a general rule - weighed much less. (Just take a look at your family photo album - I will bet you anything that you will notice that the majority of your relatives look - less heavy - than a photo of your relatives today does.)

IMHO - Much of that difference is due to a much more active lifestyle, and better diet (more fruits and veg - less processed bread products and fast foods) , at that time for most people.

Although you can be health at a slightly higher weight - and most doctors today will judge you by comparison to their other patients and todays averages - the truth is that the vast majority of Americans would be far healthier if they were to bring their weight into rough alignment with those charts through a more active lifestyle and better diet.

Rob

weight charts don't mean squat

I'm 5'6" and I'm considered borderline overweight using the BMI

I'm not borderline overweight

Your doctor may also be setting the weight based on how much weight you've already lost so you don't lose too much at one time since you've told us you've already lost quite a bit.

Yeah, don't follow any chart....I am 5'6"/5'7" and athough a bit chubby at 235, for my frame, If I was 195/200...I'd be the size I should be...If I went by some chart, I'd be anorexic.

I think the weight charts are pretty spot on. I'm only 5'5. The weight chart says I should be between 137 and 148. I'm usually about 140 to 142, and that's ideal for me. On occasion I get a bit over that and just feel sluggish and unhealthy until I drop the extra few pounds. Five years ago I was 190 pounds - I had an awful diet and smoked a pack a day. I look at pictures of myself back then and am horrified at what I looked like. Steady exercise and a little portion control got me to the right weight, and I've stayed at it without much of a problem.

MM, are you a small frame guy?

5'5" and 190--I can sympathize

I was closing in on 175 a few years back

not a pretty picture in the least

now I'm getting close to 150 after putting on 20 pounds over the last six months

I agree with Munson. Unless you're unusually muscular, the weight charts are pretty accurate. But human nature dicates that it's a lot easier to criticize the charts, than it is to lose weight!

I haven't seen a weight chart, so I don't know what I should be for 5'6" but going by what has been said, I'm guessing it would say I should be in the 140 range (correct me if I'm wrong...)

If I was that weight with the frame I have, I would look like I belonged on life support being fed through a tube. 190 would be "normal" for me

Just for you, C-T

those charts are from 1983

those are way different from BMI charts

Tdaddy - I just provided the link because CT said he hadn't seen a weight chart, and that's what most everybody is talking about here.

cool, thanks. I wasn't aware they broke it down to small/medium/large frame. I thought it was an across the board "rule"

I could live with being 170

I think I'm medium-framed. If I were small framed I'd be considered afew pounds overweight.

Weight charts don't bother me--but body fat count does. I was calipered recently and almost needed therapy and medications to take the information.

Weight charts are only an approximation of averages. The only really useful thing is to find your bodyfat percentage, which can be done in a number of ways. A caliper is the easiest way, and accurate to one or two percent. Most doctors should have one, and they are easy to find on the net, as well as cheap and easy to use.

Nat