In January I wrote that I intended to lose another few (5-ish) pounds this year to get to a healthier BMI since at nearly 73 years of age, I’ve lost two inches in height. I even set out my strategy for reaching that goal. Then I visited my (smart, caring, all-around excellent) doctor for my annual Senior Wellness check-up. Bloodwork got reviewed. Complaints addressed. He and the nurse both noted that my weight had been very consistent. It’s true. For the past many years, I go up and down a pound or two within a reasonably healthy range. I told him about my five-more-pounds goal and he said, “No. Don’t lose any more weight.”
“What? But my BMI is too high. I’m still classified as overweight.” My scale calculates my BMI for me, but you can find yours with calculators online.
“That BMI is for young people. There are new guidelines for those over sixty-five. Your BMI is just fine.”
“In older adults it is often better to have a BMI of 25 to 27, rather than under 25. If you are older than 65, for example, a slightly higher BMI may help protect you from thinning of the bones (osteoporosis).”
I found this resource: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007196.htm
The doctor even wrote me a note with that information so I could share it with my Weight Watcher coach who I check in with once a month. I’ve been a FREE Lifetime member for twenty years, and I wanted my official WW record to match my current status.
He did advise me to add some strength exercises to my normal routine of 20 minutes on the elliptical and 15 mins of yoga/PT. Now I regularly include one-minute planks and a few reps with some five-pound weights. I have some guns now!
In addition, I’ve adapted my eating plan to merely maintain my current weight. I’m enjoying the freedom of a little more flexibility. FYI: I still follow the WW program and track my food intake on the free-to-me app. Why would I not? It’s what got me to a healthy weight twenty years ago. It’s now a habit. It’s just what I do.
After watching my weight for what seems like my entire life, I can’t tell you what a relief this is. I’ve never been satisfied.
So, if you’re like me–a senior worried about carrying around a little extra weight, check your chart. You may be just fine.
Lorie Smith Schaefer 
This is helpful information. I’ve lost a lot of weight since I’ve been retired (primarily through rigorous exercise but also some dietary changes). I’ve been feeling more tired than usual, and the doctor sent me to ER earlier this week because my pulse rate was so low. The low pulse may be related to becoming fitter, but I also have to consider any meds I take.
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We know when our bodies don’t feel “right.” I’m grateful to have a doc who really listens to me. Hope you find the answer. Take care.
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After watching my weight for what seems like my entire life, I can now say with certainty that I am just fine. My BMI is still overweight, but I am still classified as overweight by the government. My doctor advised me to add some strength exercises to my normal routine of 20 minutes on the elliptical and 15 mins of yoga/PT. I also have adapted my eating plan to merely maintain my current weight. I still follow the WW program and track my food intake on the free-to-me app. Why would I not? It’s what got me to a healthy weight twenty years ago. It’s now a habit. I just do what I do.
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