Bodily Exercise

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> From: Timothy Litteral <brotim@gte.net>
>> I am what is called "25% over weight.  Who established the
> proper weight?
> 

Tim,

The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company set up the "height and weight"
table.

It was set up as a standard weight chart for many insurance companies to
use
when choosing people to insure for health insurance.  As you might guess,
if the person did not fit the "average" weight, they might have higher
insurance
and be considered unfit, or they were not accepted.

The problem with these charts today is that there are many "athletes" or
other
types of people whom might be heavier in body weight due to muscle mass.

Take, oh lets say, Shaq from the LA Lakers.  He is about (Im guessing)
7'1''
and 300lbs.  When reading just the weight and height info,
 right there, I would say this guy is a health risk!  

Anyways, the charts kinda give you an ideal body weight for an average
person
that the insurance company is looking for.

To get the best idea of how you are doing Physically, go get a  weight
measurement at a specialized place which will weigh you in water so that
you will get a displacement between muscle mass and fat.  Also a lot more

accurate than stepping on those bathroom scales!

Just thought I would throw in my average weighted thoughts...

Chris :)