Understanding BMI vs. Body Fat: What Matters for Your Health?

Question
Hi

I am confused. I keep my height, etc. into the computer on those BMI calculators, and I get a high BMI (OK, I am overweight!). My doctors says that is nonsence, belt size and how much bodyfat I have is the real issue. Do you think this is true?

I went on a tough diet and exercise program 10 days ago and my bodyfat went from 37% down to 28.5%, BUT I gained 6 pounds. My belt size did drop 1". I feel "skinnier" and people say they see a difference. But still when I do the BMI on my computer, it says I am OBESE. My doctor says, no, fat, not obese.

Confused!

Answer
Hi Annette,
In order to render an opinion, I would need your height and weight. As for the weight gain after exercise and diet, you probably lost mostly water weight and might have gained some muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat so a weight shift upward is not surprising.