Ideal weight?

Question
Cari
I am exercising and eating healthier and I am losing some fat with an improvement in my appearance HOWEVER the needle on the scale has hardly moved.
According to most charts, I should weigh 160 pounds. (I am male,5'8").
Since I now weigh 230, I would have to lose almost 100 pounds?! I would look emaciated if I lost that much!
I have always been 'heavy' but I am naturally quite muscular, having played football and lifted weights-not to get big muscles but for exercise.
I would like to find a weight to 'shoot' for. I can pinch an inch on my waist but barely.
I have talked to other guys my height that also look OK but according to the charts are obese. Whats up with that?

Answer
Hi Bud.... your story is exactly why I don't believe much in BMI or height and weight tables.  Muscle on a scale weighs 3 times what fat does.  So you can supposedly be overweight and unhealthy when in fact if you have a low % body fat and are healthy.

A much more realistic goal to aim for than a weight is a % body fat.  Why don't you do yourself a favour, grab a tape measure and head over to http://www.ditch-diets-live-light.com/body-fat-calculation-and-health.html and use the free fat calculator to work out your % body fat.  Men should aim for 15% or lower.  Hope that helps.

Kind regards
Cari

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