For instance, I'm 164 cm, and even when I was very fit and weighed 56 kg, my BMI was 20.8 which is a bit higher than 18.5, which is the lower limit for healthy weight at my height. Currently, I weigh around 60-61 kg, I guess. Need to exercise more, but that's really for my heart's sake, not the weight as such.

Oh yes, I remember! I daresay that's changed now too, and for the better, too.

It depends on how you're built, really

Hmm...rather sturdily, I'd say. I'm broad in the shoulders and big in the chest, wide in the hips. I used to have an hour-glass figure when I was younger...perhaps if I take all this into consideration, a BMI of 26 isn't as bad as it seems.

Thanks, you've made me feel better already!

I was afraid that this would happen; I was afraid that when I finally stepped onto the scales, I wouldn't think I'd done enough. I know 15 kg is not to be sneezed at...I have only to look at my wardrobe to know I've done amazingly well, as none of my trousers are now the right size for me, but still...I had hoped that, with winter coming on, I might indulge in more substantial fare than greens and salads and the occasional slice of bread. It's a little disheartening to find that after all these months, I still haven't reached the safe zone.

Anyway, I'm definitely on the right track. I just have to steer clear of all the seasonal treats this Christmas. ;-)

Thank you!

Why grumpy?

I've been having visions of treacle tart, Battenberg cake, and sticky toffee pudding of late, thinking I might indulge when I reach London (only a week and a half away now!). Even here, every time I go outside, there's the smell of speculaas, a seasonal treat, wafting on the still wintry air from every bakery.

But today's revelation means I'd better not risk it.

Ah -- but you've been away on holiday (and only put a little weight on) and had a life this summer, and I...haven't.

As to the rugby players (hmmm, rugby players) and their BMI: they're men! Surely gender makes a difference to the ideal, doesn't it?

It sounds amazing, right?

B dear, for the cholesterol (it's not as if I have no experience), think about that you need a lot of the good fat, such as mmm, salmon and walnuts and olive oil. And soy products...

Will I even recognize you now?

I don't think you need worry about that. I'm sure that stood next to you in all your tall, slim perfection, I'll still be the short, dumpy one. ;-)

Seriously, though: I look at myself in the mirror, and I don't see that much of a change. I am slimmer, yes; but I'm still stocky and I always will be...and I'm alright with that.

What I'm not alright with, is that none of the clothes we've bought together fit anymore -- do you feel up to another shopping spree in the sales?

Be sure you're checking the right site, because there are a lot of ways to calculate BMI, and they're not all realistic.

Feh. Figures. But I will keep concentrating on the really good part, and see if I can't lose a few more pounds in the run-up to Christmas!