Do I need to regain weight?

[MGman]

I'm well into my second year of returning to cycling. I'm 80 reasonably healthy and do "hard" cycling about 10 to 15 miles - two to four times a week. I currently weigh 61kg and am172 cm height.

Since cycling, over the last 2 years I've lost about 6/8 kg and am told I now look "scrawny" and need to put on a bit of weight. I think they're right. My diet is also healthy - eating little red meat but have plenty of fish, fowl and pulses etc.

Should I look at gaining weight (I'd like to) but how? Not keen to gain weight by eating more red meat (protein) but also wary of the " protein gain" & muscle building products (concerned about their additives and other "nasties"

I'm not a fastidious old git, but just want to put on a bit of weight to "bulk me out" a bit

 

[fossyant]

You tend to lose weight in your 'advancing years' from muscle loss anyway, so I think you may find it difficult ! You are obviously doing something right to be cycling at 80.

 

[Teamfixed]

How fantastic!
The exact opposite for some! Good on you

 

[Ian H]

'Scrawny' today is what was normal a few decades ago. If you feel fit I wouldn't imagine putting on more fat will make you fitter.

 

[presta]

I don't see a problem with a BMI of 20.6, it's not under weight, but if you want to put on weight just eat more of what you're already eating.

(My BMI now is 20.4, but I have a bit of a belly and not enough muscle, eleven years ago I had much more muscle, no belly, and a BMI of 18.)

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Weight sounds a little on the low side of right, but nowt to worry about, perhaps increase the size of your meals a little bit and see if you're weight comes up a bit.

 

[youngoldbloke]

NHS BMI
for me I'd consider a BMI of 20 to be ideal. but I know I would also be pressured to 'put on a bit'

 

[Tom...]

BMI is irrelevant, and flawed.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

It’s a healthy weight, your friends likely look plump

 

[youngoldbloke]

BMI is irrelevant, and flawed.

Works for me.

 

[wafter]

I have some going spare if you'd like to come and take it away..

 

[Mo1959]

I have some going spare if you'd like to come and take it away..

Me too. I’m struggling to lose any. I know which I would prefer!

 

[Teamfixed]

Quite often when people say things like "you need to put on some weight" they are either misunderstanding or just a tinsy bit jealous.

 

[CXRAndy]

Hip waist ratio is far more reliable indicator of correct weight for men or women

What is a good hip to waist ratio?




The WHO advise that a healthy WHR is: 0.85 or less for women. 0.9 or less for men.

 

[vickster]

Aged 80, I'd be more concerned about bone density than weight