Calories vs. weight

[Guest guest]

I think I agree with . Most people simply do not believe

their setpoint is as low as it should be.

In b120yd, there are a number of statements with regard to BMI and

setpoint, such as that a BMI less than 20 is desirable - this is a

fairly low weight for most people. But remember that BMI is simply

an easy, fast method of figuring an analogue to body fat percentage,

without an immersion test, and is not accurate for those with an

unusual physique - although I'm afraid the 'big bones' argument is

usually an excuse. Body fat percentage is (in b120yd) supposed to be

about half the level it is at the setpoint.

See http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/DailyNews/bmi000828.html

for a correlation of body fat and BMI - it is not a direct

correlation.

The problem is determining setpoint, as I see it, and most of us

think that our setpoint is higher than it is - a consequence of the

general overfeeding in our society.

Don't forget too, that there is an entire chapter titled 'Prevent

what is going to kill you' (may not be precisely this) and that the

incidence level of many of these things decreases with decreased BMI -

see the CSPI graphs I posted in the files area. Also ref 's

post that was transferred to the files area - 'Read this and be

inspired'.

If it were only calorie intake, then the longest lived individual

would be one in a flotation tank with IV lines feeding him all

necessary nutrients- if you could call that living.

CR produces weight loss, and while the reduction of oxidative damage

contributes to longevity, the CR also reduces body fat and the health

risks associated with it. The right target weight is supposed to be

based on setpoint, but few know what that is. Without knowing each

person's true setpoint, we need another weight target, else how do we

know if the calorie level is restricted enough? BMI or body fat

percentage seems to be the easiest one to target.

The book " The Okinawa Program " seems to describe the results of CR

actually applied to people, rather than lab animals, and says that

most Okinawans have a BMI of 18 - 22. Surprise! that correlates

with no increased risk of the usual suite of 'aging' diseases.

Iris

--- In @y..., " michael colella " <colm@a...>

wrote:

> Francesca, in all due respect i do not think the issue has been

settled. Clearly there are people who have more fat cells and are

physiologically geared to a higher weight than others. Dr. Walford

is, by far, more qualified than Dean, no disrespect to Dean of

course, However Walford makes it clear that set point is very

relevant and says ythis repeatedly in his book. Walford explicitly

states that it is RELATIVE. See my post that was totally ignored on

the main list where I quote him directly.

>

> regards,

>

> Mike Colella