BMI Horror/ Confusion. Do I need to get to a "normal" BMI?

[Ray92]

I've always been heavy, the only time I've been a normal BMI I smoked and ate 1,000 calories a day.

I'm currently 8 months pp and 16 stone 9. Before pregnancy I was around 15 stone. Obese in both instances. I'm clearly delusional, as I don't feel I looked obese! My blood pressure, cholesterol, fitness, blood sugar have been checked and they are all good. I'm so ashamed of being so obese.

What do I do? Get down to "normal" by any means possible or is it okay to be 15 stone, which I feel is manageable?

Does anyone else have this problem with BMI?

I don't know how I've put so much weight on, but my breasts have .gone from a 34C to a 36I

I'll attach pics of me around 15 stone for reference.

Im 16 stone 9 now and my waist is 29 inches. My bust is 45 inches and my hips are 45 inches. My full seat is 48 inches.
I am not 15 stone now. But it is my goal as I think I look great at 15 stone. I was seeking other opinions as my friends and family are obviously biased!
I look good down to about 13 stone then I personally feel I look too thin for my taste.
I am very very grateful for all the posters who have found alternative ways of measuring health other than BMI, as it has long made me feel ashamed.

I mean from what I understand carrying weight around thighs is healthier than stomach

You look amazing x

OP I think you look great but also very obviously overweight. I'd focus on healt some bones sticking put is healthy. Modern society has become warped in it's beliefs around what's normal. You are much more likely to get a range of hideous health issues being so overweight.

Can I ask what size clothes you wear OP and wear you shop?

I'm 5'7, 12 stone 7 and look awful

Would love some ideas of where to shop.

You look unreal at 15 stone. I would not consider you obese my goodness! Beautiful curves ⭐️

I am sorry you feel awful, your height and weight sound enviable to me!

H&M, Zara, Sundress, Coast, Freepeople, Pretty Dress Company, Hobbs, LK Bennet, Asos, River Island.

Because my waist is smaller proportionally, I can get a smaller size if I choose styles that are loose on the hips and bust.

Even now, I can wear a 16 or XL in Zara. I recently bought a jumpsuit in a 16 that is fitted, the size guide said I shouldn't have fitted it though.
At 14, 15 stone I wore a 12 typically. The swimsuit is a RI 12. The pink pants are a Zara L. The dress is a 12 at Asos but my hips did not measure a 12!

That is very kind, thank you x

I still find it unbelievable that a size 12 can weigh 15 stones.

I’m size 10-12 and weigh 9,10
How can someone who is 15 stone fit in a size 12, that’s an extra five stone to fit in those measurements of clothes.
( I look curvy , I’m 24. Something on BMI , highest end for my height )

Picture, please?

No thanks

I wouldn’t ever post a picture on public forum

Okay, but I can't personally imagine being a size 12 at nearly 10 stone.
10 stone is tiny.

BMI is outdated, over simplified and doesn't take fitness levels into consideration.

My goal weight according to BMI is between 8st 6 and 11st. I'm 5ft8 and anything under 10st7 I look gaunt and unwell... i'm happiest/look best at around 11st
I'm currently 14st and look huge compared to you.

It's widely accepted that BMI isn't accurate as it doesn't actually measure stored fat.

You look in proportion and carry weight evenly distributed. That might change as you age so if you can/want to lose weight it would obviously benefit you from a health viewpoint

I'm intrigued now as to what my "full seat" measures. 37.5 inches apparently but that's also the same as my hips so I think they must be the same thing unless I have a weirdly shaped arse or hips. My waist is 31". My BMI measured today is 23.5. 5'3" and 60.4kg. Size 10-12 depending.
Weird.

Oh and I'm pretty fit. Can't run due to asthma and bad knees and back but I walk 50 miles (average) a week up hill and down dale no problem. I'm flabby but my legs muscles are pretty good as are my butt muscles from all the hill walking.
I can't imagine someone obese fitting into a size 12.

We obviously have very different figures.
But 31 inches isn't a size 10... just like my enormous arse has never been a 12, yet it will fit in a floaty 12 due to my waist and previously small bust.

Thank you @Ray92, I will check those shops out!

Hmm. I'm 5'5 and 11 stones and I look the same as you in this epics 🤔

@Ray92 what size is a 10? I never said my waist was a 10.

Typically 27 inches, I believe. You said you fit in a 10-12.

Sometimes I think people with big boobs and bums mess up BMI charts as the main body may be slender but these parts go in front / behind so often people look good and are smaller dress sizes than weight measure would think

I have name changed in case anyone recognises me from the photo!

@Ray92 In answer to your comment earlier, I am over 10 stone and a size 12.

I am a healthy BMI but at the top end, 24.1.
I don’t have a waist and have slim legs so carry most of my excess fat on my stomach.

Height is very important

E.g. Someone who is 10 stone but 5'2" would be bigger than a size 12.