What is a good way to find out what a healthy weight is for me? BMI doesn't seem to be accurate at all.?

Question

I'm 5'10" & 185. I am guessing that I could stand to lose 10+ pounds, but how do I know what a healthy weight is, other than going to my doctor? I have a slim to medium build.

Closer to a medium build than a slim one.

Oh yeah, and I'm a 30 year old male.

Answer 1

there is no one perfect weight number for everybody. the scale is not really your friend so dont look at what it says. look at how you look, how your clothes fit and how much muscle you have.
exercise is essential part of losing fat and you will notice difference even if the scale might be showing you that you have lost only 5lbs - its because you lose fat and gain muscle.
find daily calorie intake calculator on the net, enter all your stats and it will tell you how many calories you need a day to maintain, take off 300-400cal off that number and thats how much you need to lose.
eat 5-6 small meals a day (eat every 2-3 hours - it optimizes your metabolism)
5-8 servings of fruit and veggies a day
8 glasses of water
have complex carbs for breakfast - they give you energy
have protein (lean meat, legumes etc) for dinner - repairs muscle
cardio is the only fat burning exercise 4-6 times a week for 30-50min (ideally 45min because the first 20-30min body burns carbs and only then starts burning fat), light weight training (more muscle=faster metabolism)
dont consume foods that are made of white flour (white bread, cakes, pasta etc.), sugar loaded foods (cookies, icecream, candy etc) and nothing fried, oily.
ofcourse you can spoil yourself once in a while with a little treat:)

Answer 2

According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines for males for your height: 150-174. So you were right. Other people have to know that you have to listen to your body; not just about weight, but everything else in your lifetime. So I think you could drop 10-15 pounds standing on your head (not literally.)
Just cut out sugar, fried foods, fast foods, and snacks ending in "ito." Eat lotsa fruits and veggies, lean meat, white meat skinless chicken, and FISH. Tuna in water in the can or packet is fine. But go over to the butcher, and buy some salmon, halibut, or (unbreaded) cod. He can tell you how to prepare them. Baked or broiling is best. Drink lotsa water. And , of course, at least 30 minutes of exercise. Walking, swimming, treadmill, stationary bike,or jumping rope are the best. Work gradually up to 30 minutes or more. You can do it!! For breakfast have a hi-fiber cereal with fruit and 1% milk. All it takes is a little WILLPOWER! And it sounds to me that you have a lot of that! Good luck, dude! If you have other questions, feel free to e-mail me. :)

Answer 3

body fat percentenge is a good indicator:

For women, a body fat of 10-12% is essential, 14-20% is considered a healthy range for athletes, 21-24% is healthy for fitness, 25-31% is considered an 'acceptable' range and anything above 32% is considered obese.

For men, 2-4% body fat is essential, 6-13% is an athletic body fat range, 14-17% is considered a 'fit' range, and 18-25% is acceptable. Anything above 26% for men is considered obese.

http://www.linear-software.com/online.html is a good sight to tell you how to measure bodyfat

Answer 4

I found a new website called "Sparkpeople.com" it helps you keep track of what you are eating and can calculate Calories,Fat, Protein etc.. Its great.. and it makes sure you don't eat over your Calorie intake.. check it out.. its free..

Answer 5

Go to the doctor or see a dietician.

Answer 6

ok stand up, look down, can you see your toes?? if so thats a healthy weight.