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Ideal weight
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katydone posted:
I'm almost 67 years old, am 5' 6" and have had unstable Type 2 Diabetes for over 10 years. I exercise almost every day (have gone from 240 lbs to 168), watch what I eat & keep my blood sugar under control most of the time (stress is my killer). 'THEY' say I should weight 136 lbs but I know from experience that if I got down that low, I would look like death warmed over! It seems like they put everyone in the same box. Both my doctors (family & diabetic specialist) say that I should weigh where I'm most comfortable & that would be at about 155. Anyone else have this problem?
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Ideal weightI'm almost 67 years old, am 5' 6" and have had unstable Type 2 Diabetes for over 10 years. I exercise almost every day (have gone from 240 lbs to 168), watch what I eat & keep my blood sugar under control most of the time (stress is my killer). 'THEY' say I should weight 136 lbs but I know from experience that if I got down that low, I would look like death warmed over! It seems like they put everyone in the same box. Both my doctors (family & diabetic specialist) say that I should weigh where I'm most comfortable & that would be at about 155. Anyone else have this problem?
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Louise_WebMD_Staff responded:
Welcome Katy.

Nice job on the weight loss! I know that is so hard and you have done a terrific job.

The medical recommendation for a woman your height and age is anywhere between 118 - 155 lbs-based solely on height/weight/age. Since more studies are coming out about the benefits of being on that upper edge as you age-I think I agree with your doctors.

Now surveys say that 148 would be "the people's choice" for your ideal weight-but shrug on the difference between that and 155.

You might also be interested in our Diabetes Exchange with Dr Dansinger (one of the doctors from The Biggest Loser and a specialist in Diabetes management)
Report This| Share this:Ideal weightWelcome Katy.<br /><br />Nice job on the weight loss! I know that is so hard and you have done a terrific job. <br /><br />The medical recommendation for a woman your height and age is anywhere between 118 - 155 lbs-based solely on height/weight/age. Since more studies are coming out about the benefits of being on that upper edge as you age-I think I agree with your doctors. <br /><br />Now surveys say that 148 would be "the people's choice" for your ideal weight-but shrug on the difference between that and 155. <br /><br />You might also be interested in our Diabetes Exchange with <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/diabetes-exchange">Dr Dansinger</a> (one of the doctors from The Biggest Loser and a specialist in Diabetes management)
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Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP responded:
Hey Katy. Wow, awesome job dropping that weight and keeping it off. Oh no, the infamous "they" police are at it again! Here's the answer to your question--- If your blood sugar, cholestrol and blood pressure are all normalized, then you've achieved a significant triumph. If you exercise and are physically fit (read my book Fit to Live and take the physical fitness tests geared to women over 60), that's great also. You want to keep your waist (measured across your belly button) measurement less than 35 inches to rein in the fat inside your abdomen. That's the fat that causes type 2 diabetes so you do want to pay attention to that. Also, you want to pay attention to your body fat percentage which, for your age, should be in the range of 28-35%. Have it checked out. The "they" police are saying that your BMI is too high and you're not within the ideal weight zone. Get your waist and body fat within a safe zone and I'll bet it may require a final 10 pound removal of fat. Then, call it a day. You don't have to reach some mythical 136 to be healthy.
Good luck and let us know how you're doing. Shoot an email if you have more questions!
Dr. Peeke
Report This| Share this:Ideal weight<b>Hey Katy. Wow, awesome job dropping that weight and keeping it off. Oh no, the infamous "they" police are at it again! Here's the answer to your question--- If your blood sugar, cholestrol and blood pressure are all normalized, then you've achieved a significant triumph. If you exercise and are physically fit (read my book Fit to Live and take the physical fitness tests geared to women over 60), that's great also. You want to keep your waist (measured across your belly button) measurement less than 35 inches to rein in the fat inside your abdomen. That's the fat that causes type 2 diabetes so you do want to pay attention to that. Also, you want to pay attention to your body fat percentage which, for your age, should be in the range of 28-35%. Have it checked out. The "they" police are saying that your BMI is too high and you're not within the ideal weight zone. Get your waist and body fat within a safe zone and I'll bet it may require a final 10 pound removal of fat. Then, call it a day. You don't have to reach some mythical 136 to be healthy. </b><br /><b>Good luck and let us know how you're doing. Shoot an email if you have more questions!</b><br /><b>Dr. Peeke</b>
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tomritchie responded:
I think you are describing a very common problem. I am 6' 3 " tall and have weighed as high as 250. Today I am in the 220s. My ideal weaight is 198. I have been there too and I do look death warmed over. My doctor said he would like it if I weighed in at 205. I will be happy with 210 if I am exercising like you are. I would ignore your ideal weight and stay where you are.
Report This| Share this:Ideal weightI think you are describing a very common problem. I am 6' 3 " tall and have weighed as high as 250. Today I am in the 220s. My ideal weaight is 198. I have been there too and I do look death warmed over. My doctor said he would like it if I weighed in at 205. I will be happy with 210 if I am exercising like you are. I would ignore your ideal weight and stay where you are.
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