my own personal inconvenient truth

[RK-REX]

From that link:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death. The score is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits. The limits are:

It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.

It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.

BMI is a joke unless you meet the definition of average IMO, which is probably very few people. Granted, we're (Americans) a fat and lazy lot, but still, very few meet the definition of average. Which is what the BMI is designed for. I'm sure it'd be difficult to come up with a scale that accurately takes into account bone and muscle mass that one could do themselves without having a professional take the measurements. Either way I think too much stock is put into the BMI and no one EVER recognizes the two above statements about estimates.

Mine is 31.9 and I've never met an obese person who could run for 80 minutes with bursts to full exersion thrown in every few minutes in a rugby match... Go figure.

[Mr. MacDougall]

BMI is a joke unless you meet the definition of average IMO, which is probably very few people.

Actually, it's a reasonable thumb-rule for a great many people. Like most thumb-rules, it's not suitable, nor intended for, everyone in every situation. You should see your healthcare provider, and get a more accurate assessment of your health, related to obesity.

However, having a waistline of over 40", regardless of your height or frame size has been shown to be a risk factor in heart disease, type two diabetes, and other chronic conditions. As a tall fellow, I have often thought it unjust that I should be held to the same standard as shorter gentlemen, but there you go....

[Kilted Mason]

OK, so maybe I over reacted to my measurements, but after a day or two to calm down, it’s not all bad. The good wife, as always is the voice or reason, and she reminded me that I’ve came a long way. As far as joining a gym, we have in our home a 440 sq ft gym filled with all commercial equipment that we all use every day. On the rare occasion I’m home at night, me and the boys put in a movie and spend hours lifting, running on the tread mill and just being stinky guys in the gym. MY BOYS WILL NOT GROW UP FAT KIDS AND LIVE THE HELL THAT IS FOR A YOUNG PERSON. Both my boys take great pride in telling anybody that will listen that McDonald’s makes you fat and stupid. Once again my wife has pointed out I need to change that mantra for something less offensive to the masses, but how many 9 year olds can turn down unhealthy food and say own their own” I’ve had enough bad food already today, how about some grapes or an apple” They are great kids and love being active, they are the reason I started dong what I do, I didn’t want to be one of those parents that watch their kids live their life from the sidelines, I am a part of their life every time I get the chance. This school year has been hard for me, not seeing them very much, but summer is where we make up for it. Every day before I leave for work we have 4 or 5 hours to do with as we please and we always make the most of it. Working in the yard, biking the trails at the park, or when the Texas heat makes it unbearable we spend the day at the science museum. This year however, they will get an introduction to art, via the Amon Carter museum, witch is just across the street from the science museum. This is getting long, so I’ll just say thanks for all the words of encouragement and the links for Masonic tartans.