To think I am not overweight?

[orangegerbil]

According to BMI, I am overweight with a reading over 27. I am 5'3 and weigh almost 11 stone. I haven't weighed myself in years so I am a little shocked.

I could do with losing a bit around my tummy, but I am a size 10 so I can't be that bad surely? I do have quite a big chest but that can't be the only reason for my weight.

The NHS uses BMI calculators so I am slightly concerned about it as it must be a trusted way of measuring things. Is it possible to have a high BMI but not be overweight?

I'm 5''2 11st and a size 14, how can you only be a size 10??? Extremely jealous

I was gifted a gorgeous vintage Monsoon dress recently - size 14. It's much smaller than a recently purchased new size 10 Monsoon dress!

Yes Monsoon is another one with ginormous sizing.

Are you a weightlifter?

You don't think that's rude?

That would be an explanation for the weight/dress size discrepancy. Not rude at all.

The BMI scale is rubbish and even the guy who invented it said it shouldn't be used for everyone

I’m that height with big boobs. At 11 stone I am fat not overweight, and certainly not a size ten. I think your scales are wrong.

It's like wrestling a blancmange getting my elasticated jeggings

Why do people talk about themselves like this? Awful

I’m 5’3 and just under 10 stone. I’m no way near a size 10. I’m a solid size 12 and definitely a bit over weight. A stone heavier would make me more than a bit overweight. I was 9 stone to be a size 10, I don’t see how you can be a size 10.

I have always been slim but when I did put on weight it was so gradual I didn’t notice and, I know it sounds stupid, but as I had put on weight all over not just in one place, I thought I looked the same.

"The NHS advises that >31.5 inches is overweight and >35 inches is obese."

Hmm. I thought these were the recommendations for diabetes rather than markers of being overweight or obese. The NHS uses BMI for that.
I've never been overweight, but had my waist at that limit because I'm quite straight up and down.

@formerbabe

If you’re happy looking the way you look at a certain weight, great, own it

This is bitchy

Why is this bitchy? Genuine question....you won’t ever have the whole of society agreeing on what size is most aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

There are several camps here, some who think a healthy weight and fitness should be maintained.
Some who scorn the ‘calorie counters‘ and ‘fitness freaks’.
Some who are just slim by default, some who struggle with their weight.

So, decide for yourself what makes you happy, and own it.

Either your scales are wrong or your clothes are too tight. I'm a very similar height/weight and I'm definitely overweight (size 14).
When I was 9.5 stones, I was a 10/12.

@formerbabe
It's lighthearted. I'm not terribly keen on how I look at the moment. I can get depressed or I can use a bit of humour. If I really was a blancmange, sure I'd have eaten myself by now. Problem solved.

OP I'm a lot older than you (47) but Im the same height. I weight 9.5 stone and I'm a size ten and I'm definitely in need of losing a few pounds. I think you're overweight at more than a stone heavier.

But as others have said it depends on body shape, boobs etc.

I have no reason to lie - I fit into size 10 (sometimes a size 8 in places like Sainsbury's) and I don't squeeze myself into clothes. Perhaps it is vanity sizing but Size 12 is too big, especially jeans.

I’ e been that and nearly six feet, and even then I was a bit chubby!

Thank you @seventhrow don't be jealous, I defo have to work very hard to stay at 8st5. TBH this morning I weighed in at 8st6... theres been a lot of lockdown baking! That is still a fine size though I am trying to be eagle eyed about slippage given my history of overweight/obesity. I am definitely a bit nervous how pregnancy will affect my weight, I am researching strategies to help make sure I don't gain too much (ttc right now)

Next and M&S sizes are mad. I'm picking out 6's in some high street stores. Can be frustrating but it's definitely an ego boost too! When I was overweight I was always obsessed with the idea of 'being a size 10'

Overweight doesn't mean you are fat. Just that you are above the desirable weight for your height.
I weigh 10 stone at 5ft and am trying to lose weight so I would say you are overweight. Doesn't mean you are fat though.

If you are happy with your body, then that is okay.

I am 5' 3" and at the upper end of BMI, hovering at being overweight and it shows! I can fit into an 8 at places like M and S and Next because of the daft sizing. Clothes sizing is no indication of a healthy weight these days. I found this TDEE calculator to be useful (although it is a bit scary how overweight I am according to other methods of calculation, so be warned!).

Sorry, link. tdeecalculator.net/

OP, have you calculated your hip to waist ratio? This can be a useful tool in determining your risk of certain health conditions.

Overweight doesn't mean you are fat.
Yes, it does!

I'm also 5"3, I'm currently 11 stone 3, and am dieting, because I know I'm carrying excess weight.

You must carry your weight VERY differently to me if you're only a size 10.
I'm, what? 4 or 5 pounds heavier than you, and I'd say that I was a solid size 14.

Look OP. I think it's within the realms of possible that you're that height and that weight and that size. If I don't train I'm exactly the same weight but a size 12 and might be able to fit into some 10s depending on the store.

I've always been heavy for my size regardless of training routine (at a size 4 my BMI was 21-22) .

Your slightly overweight. I do t think it's a massive health risk but the risk is in piling up the pounds. Try to lose half a stone. You'll probably still fit in your size 10 but then you wont have anything to worry about.

PS asking if she lifts isn't rude (I lift!)

"Overweight doesn't mean you are fat."

It literally means that.

Vanity sizing I'm afraid. Im the same size I was 20 years ago. Fit into size 6 or 8 clothes in most shops now. I got some old bags of clothes down from the attic recently. All size 10 or 12. In fact the 12 skirt was slightly snug on the waist.