I have usually responded to such inquiries by simply noting that healthy weight is a highly individualized concept dependent upon many factors, and encouraging people with such concerns to seek competent medical advice. Unfortunately, I have occasionally voiced opinions on this subject based upon my recollection of standard weight-height charts and anecdotes about various actresses. That was very wrong, and for this error in judgment I humbly apologize. For the reasons stated below, I am now convinced that the mere mention of such numbers to persons with eating issues is, in the absence of face-to-face consultation with a qualified medical professional, fraught with danger.
"We do not allow our members to exchange anything number-related (weights, sizes, BMI [body mass index], calories, etc.) because it only feeds into the "competitive" nature of the illness, or the feelings of worthlessness based on a number," writes Amy Medina of the Something Fishy Website in an email. "It takes away from the true purpose of the discussion - to explore the feelings underneath the symptoms. We have some strict policies in place, one of which is the "no numbers" rule. Another is related to medical questions: we don't allow them at all. We have always stressed that even if we could answer the questions accurately, or diagnose them, it would be dangerous and unethical to do so, if for no other reason than their problem cannot be treated online."
After querying several knowledgeable professionals and consulting with Suite101.com management, I have decided to adopt for this topic page a modified version of Something Fishy's message boards rules. Please read it now.
Standardized weight and height charts are, at best, a rough guide to well-being. Over-reliance upon them can be hazardous. "They are not a reflection of what is healthy, but rather a reflection of actuarial data from insurance companies on mortality rates," writes Bryan Gusdal, M.A., in an email. Mr. Gusdal is Director of the Westwind Eating Disorder Recovery Centre in Brandon, Canada. "They do not take into account lifestyle components such as smoking or exercise. BMI measures are a little better, but not much. Barry Saunders was a leading rusher in the NFL, and his BMI was 30. Was he obese? Was he unhealthy? He certainly was fit. Standards of health might be a better measure than standards of mortality rates. They just are not measuring the same thing. Glenn Gaesser's Big Fat Lies (Fawcett Columbine 1996) has a good discussion on the origins of height-weight charts, their shortcomings and misuse. Questions of lifestyle would be more appropriate in terms of health, without so much reference to weight. The weight issue is more focused on appearance than it is on health, even though it is often presented as a health concern."
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