As of this morning's weigh-in, my BMI is now 29.9 (from a starting point of 40.1). According to the National Institute of Health, this puts me in the "overweight" category.

NIH's BMI calculator: http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

BMI Categories:

* Underweight = <18.5
* Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
* Overweight = 25-29.9
* Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

And since I do strength training with relatively heavy weights, I'm hoping that I might even be more muscular than the sedentary population, so I may be healthier than the tables would indicate.

Yippee! I am far from perfect, and have slipped into "undisciplined" too many times since I began this. But I have yet to give up. It may take me longer than some, but the milestones are still quite sweet.

Laurie!!! We're the same height and of course 179 is my no longer obese weight as well, thus one of my mini-goals!!! You go girl!!! I can't wait until I get there.

Good job LaurieDawn! Great effort!

No one but the formerly obese can attest to how AMAZING it feels to be "overweight".

It is a HUGE milestone. Most of the health risks with excess weight apply primarily in the "Obese" category. You've done a GREAT thing for your health! Congratulations!



Produce - dances - for you!

Congrats Lauriedawn - I too dream of being 'overweight' one day. Way to go on your hard work!!

Wow!!! Great job ^^

Very inspiring!! You started around where I did and I look forward to the day when I can say I am overweight too!

Congratulations LaurieDawn...those new BMI milestones are so great, and just 'overweight' is such a wonderful mental step from obese. Next stop: Normal! Enjoy the ride.

Congrats, that is so awesome!! I can't wait to join you!

Congrats, Laurie!! Your dedication is paying off!

Congratulations! What a wonderful milestone!!

Way to go! I can really imagine how nice a feeling it must be. Can't wait to be overweight myself

I am beaming with pride for you Laurie!! You're doing fantastic and I really think you are probably healthier than a LOT of people out there. I think it's amazing how someone in total bad health can make a complete 180*. If you think about it, it's well, easier (easier is not the right word but we'll go with that) I think to do that, because if you've never had a problem with your weight, you may be apathetic to eating healthy and exercising, and ultimately someone who is "overweight" but does those things are much better off than those who aren't and feel no need to make the change. SO BRAVO!!!

Yay, Laurie! What an awesome Christmas gift to yourself! You should be so proud of yourself

Congrats!!!!!