Morbid obesity is a certainly health problem but I agree that the so-called epidemic is probably “overblown” – no pun intended.
Making an assessment of someone’s overall health based solely on the currently accepted BMI is ridiculous.
A person who is considered overweight can still be healthy if they maintain a healthy lifestyle overall. At my largest weight some years ago (about 230 for a 5‘7” woman, size 22 clothing), I had repeatedly perfect blood pressure readings (120/80), amazing good cholesterol readings – low on the bad type, high on the good type, good heart pulse, no diabetes, good lung function, etc. My doctor was amazed that I was so “healthy”. But then I didn’t smoke or drink and got a moderate amount of exercise.
But I wasn’t happy with my weight and appearance so I decided to make some lifestyle changes. I didn’t go on a “diet” but I did commit to making healthier choices and to a more balanced diet with leaner meats and fish, more fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains and legumes and better portion controls even some organics (I actually was eating more overall, but smaller and more frequent and healthier meals and never deprived myself – and I still enjoy some Ben and Jerry’s now and then). Then I started playing golf on a regular basis and walked the course when ever I could. Then I joined a gym and started working out 3-4 times a week combining at least 30 minutes of cardio combined with some moderate weight training.
The pounds came off slowly at first and then they just melted away. I had a greater amount of energy during the day, better concentration and slept better at night and never felt better.
After several years of maintaining my commitment to living healthier; something I actually enjoy and don’t see as a “punishment” or a means to a short term weight loss goal, I went down to 170 pounds and a size 14 to 12 and maintained there. I like the way I look and feel today; I lost body mass (fat) but gained muscle tone (that weighs more than fat), but according the “charts” and the “scale”, I’m still “obese”.
I could loose more weight by going on a starvation diet or working out to an excessive and compulsive extreme, but that would not be healthy or balanced.
I know a lot of much thinner people who have terrible diets (fast foods, etc) and never exercise and some have serious health problems.
A lot of pro athletes could be considered overweight or obese based on a BMI. I read once that Michael Jordan, during his prime, would be considered obese based on his height and weight and BMI.
I leaned that overall health cannot be assessed by a mere number on a scale or chart
Heroin addicts and anorexics tend to have very low BMI’s but that don’t mean they are “healthy”.
Good post, and I commend you on your attention to your overall well-being. You have likely prevented serious problems in the future, by losing the weight. Weight IS less important than overall health, and you have wisely chosen a healthy lifestyle. I don’t read any self-pity in your post, either.
But if someone had bad knees and a bad back and was >100 pounds overweight, it would be kind of pointless to have knee replacements and back surgery to fix them, as well as add to the surgical risk.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and I am still pretty mobile. I exercise and eat very well. I am not overweight. But I can tell you that if I were carrying around 100 extra pounds, my knees would be history, and so would my back.
I admit it, I am a bigot about overweight.