Weight Lose Journey Update

My weight loss journey started 2 years ago, and I’ve lost more than expected which is fine as long as it doesn’t affect my health. I’m now 70 pounds down without reducing my intake but lab work will tell what deficiencies I have if any. I found this information on the CDC site while searching for the average weight of American women and what the BMI ranges are for my weight.

How is BMI calculated?

Pounds and inches	Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]² x 703 Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5’5″ (65″) Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)²] x 703 = 24.96

Pounds and inches

Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]² x 703

Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.

Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5’5″ (65″)
Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)²] x 703 = 24.96

How is BMI interpreted for adults?

For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories. These categories are the same for men and women of all body types and ages.

The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the following table.
BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Healthy Weight
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight
30.0 and Above	Obesity

For example, here are the weight ranges, the corresponding BMI ranges, and the weight status categories for a person who is 5′ 9″.

For example, here are the weight ranges, the corresponding BMI ranges, and the weight status categories for a person who is 5′ 9″.
Height	Weight Range	BMI	Weight Status
5′ 9″	124 lbs or less	Below 18.5	Underweight
	125 lbs to 168 lbs	18.5 to 24.9	Healthy Weight
	169 lbs to 202 lbs	25.0 to 29.9	Overweight
	203 lbs or more	30 or higher	Obesity

By the BMI ranges I am in the healthy weight category but you will be surprised at what is considered the normal weight for women in America.

American women aged 20 years old and up weigh an average of 170.8 pounds (lbs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. If you use the normal weight range suggested, I am underweight. That may be the case but 170 pounds is too high for me.

I’m not making an effort to lose more weight, I haven’t changed my eating habits. I did lose an extra 10 pounds after leaving the hospital in December 2023.

What are your thoughts about weight ranges and BMI, I’m curious what you think.

Melinda

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html#Interpreted

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321003