I’m 6’4”. According to the CDC, I should be 202 lbs. I’m 248 and look skinny, but obese per BMI table. I have muscle, but not a bodybuilder physique. Stomach is flat, I run 8-10 miles every other day in my mid 40s. I wear size large athletic wear and wear a 58 jacket.

Losing 40 pounds on my frame… I’d look like death. I think BMI as estimated by the simple formula is a useful guide for the median height and build person, but it’s used as a health designation whose meaning is frankly bunk. I lay higher insurance rates, for example because of supposed risk of diabetes.

My wife was even worse. She had big boobs, so was declared obese. She was a runner, cyclist, and was a competitive swimmer, but was labeled a fat girl by her doctor.

Stupid things like this turn people off from medicine and delay being treated for real problems.