Originally Posted by DataJunkie
Exactly what caloso said.
Skinny torso. huge legs thighs. Big calves. Larger rear.
Or as I like to put it: "toothpick up top. Massive legs down below"
First he said "keep exercising like you are doing and when your weight levels out that is your perfect weight" -> I ride 200-250 miles a week at a moderate pace.
To tell you the truth I did not press him for how he came up with 160 as a good weight for me. However, he did not use anything. No BMI calculations just whatever was in his head.
My doc is a good man. I trust his judgment.
Anyhow, if you look at the standard bmi calculation it says something like 140-170 lbs for a person 5'9". I may not be exactly correct but can not be bothered to check at the moment. 140 is too dang skinny. 170 is too fat. 160 is just fine. Current weight: 158
Then I guess I don't follow your assertion that BMI is worthless. 5'9" and 160 lbs = BMI of 23.6. That's clearly in the "normal/healthy" range. At 170 lbs, you'd be at BMI 25.1 (just barely "Overweight").
So, it looks like BMI is a reasonable tool for body weight goal setting, even with your "massive" legs.