BMI and WC

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Jordan - thanks for all the amazing work you do here on this website. It’s excellent and really appreciated.

I have a question about your BMI and WC recommendations. In short, is there an obesity related health risk of having a BMI over 30 if your WC is also below 37”?

Related to this, is it just high levels of fat that cause obesity related health risks, or high levels of lean body mass too?

I’ve made some good progress lately, and as a 6ft, 37 year old white male I am currently sitting at about 107kg and a 39” WC. Based on recent progress, I reckon if I keep training hard and slowly cut to about 103kg I should get my WC under 37”. I If I achieve that, is there a health advantage for me to go further and cut to under 100kg so my BMI is also under 30?

I know there isn’t much difference between the two goals, but as I’m quite goal oriented I’d like to decide whether I am aiming for a BMI of under 30 (which means bodyweight of under 100kg) or a WC of under 37”.

thanks in advance,

John

2

Yes. High levels of adipose tissue typically accompany high levels of LBM when the BMI is > 30, so it’s not an either or situation for most folks. There are exceptions, of course. I think your WC is a bit elevated and I’d aim to bring that and your BMI down :slight_smile: