Survey Comments
Your weight has everything to do with ham radio!
Really if your HEALTHY with low cholesterol, good blood pressure and doing some exercise then don't worry too much. But if it's a strain to reach for that knob or hit the PTT/KEY then you'll most likely be SK soon. A person can be overweight and be quite healthy.
For me, that was not the case. I just lost 60lbs and feel better than I have in 15yrs.
If you're not feeling well because of your weight then loose it. We all want to hear you on the air for years to come and not read about you in the obituaries.
No it's not easy for most to loose weight but it's not impossible.
Cheers,
Robert VE3RPF
Posted by
VE3RPF on 2003-08-25
Weight Issue
Guess I live up to my name: Bigham
And apparently there are plenty of us around.
Posted by
KB0GU on 2003-07-17
They all are.......
Every ham in the world is fat.
Mostly in one or more of three places.
The head, the middle or the butt.
Just kidding. hi hi hi
73
Posted by
NK5A on 2003-01-09
No doubt...
Okay I'm with the California Oregonian. And as I grew up an Oregonian myself, I rather was always more fond of,
"Save a Tree, Eat a Beaver."
Posted by
W3DCG on 2002-12-11
I'm fat???
Well, if this don't beat all. I'm fat. I'd-a-never guessed that! At 180 pounds and 5'9", I barely make into the "overweight" class. And when folks look at me, they say "skinny". I used to be nearly six feet tall, and the same weight as today, but the old vertebrae, they do compress in the older years.
I'm still able to run six consecutive 8 minute miles. When I enter one of those 10K (6.2 mile) footraces, I'm usually the only one over 70 who even finishes. So I feel pretty fit.
I agree, though, it is scary how fat hams are. I've seen it scare younger folks away from the hobby. Just like the belching and swearing and braggadicio at the hamfests does.
The HF bands are a potpourri of amusement for someone with awareness of human psychology. I don't have to meet anybody to tell you which ones are fat. I can tell by the topics they choose, and where they position themselves in the stories.
AM
Posted by
N0TONE on 2002-12-07
fat
how can you tell?
Posted by
XERB1020 on 2002-11-25
Just wrong
So an NFL running back who is 5'10"/220lbs is obese?
Posted by
K1RDD on 2002-11-25
NEXT SURVEY PLEASE!
When's the surveymeister going to get off HIS fat ass and put up another survey!! This one is getting pretty old now.
Posted by
AD7DB on 2002-11-25
Fat survey
How much longer will this lame fat survey run?
A. One day
B. One week
C. One month
D. One year
E. Forever
Posted by
KF4MKJ on 2002-11-25
Fat survey
How much longer will this lame fat survey run?
A. One day
B. One week
C. One month
D. One year
E. Forever
Posted by
KF4MKJ on 2002-11-25
Eternal "Fat Ham" Survey
To KF4MKJ: I'll have to cast my vote with "Forever" on your survey. Not that I want to, but it looks like that may be the correct answer. Actually, this kinda makes me long for the old "code vs no code" debates again! LOL! 73, Ray KV4BL
Posted by
KV4BL on 2002-11-25
Eternal "Fat Ham" Survey
To KF4MKJ: I'll have to cast my vote with "Forever" on your survey. Not that I want to, but it looks like that may be the correct answer. Actually, this kinda makes me long for the old "code vs no code" debates again! LOL! 73, Ray KV4BL
Posted by
KV4BL on 2002-11-25
Re: Love to Hate
In your post you stated that you weighed 190 pounds or 3.72 kilograms. Looks like a math error to me, since there are 2.2 pounds per kilogram. You would either be 8.18 pounds or 86.36 kilograms. I tend to side with the latter.
ANYWAY...Who cares if you're fat or thin, as long as you're happy :)
'73 de KD7EZE/5
Posted by
KD7EZE on 2002-11-23
Fat
I know I am overweight. Hear it from the doctors...eat less, exercise more, lose 15 pounds or so. No survey needed. On latest antenna project I fell from a step ladder ,all of 3 feet. Hurt pretty bad. Bruised my Ham Fat. Let's move on, please!!!!
73
Posted by
KB5LPA on 2002-11-22
Lets Move on
I am tired of reading about overweight hams.. So some of us are Fat some are skinny some are in between was the big deal...
73
Steve,KD5OWO
Posted by
KD5OWO on 2002-11-22
Next Survey please...
Save the whales, harpoon a ham ;-)
Posted by
NB6Z on 2002-11-22
Metric System
Since I am Canadian and have had the Metric System injected in my system all my life of 40 years, I wonder how accurate this survey actually is. Who knows how many kg in 1 lb. and how many feet to 1 metre?
Yes, you do spell metre, metre in "Canadian" eh!
73
Mikey, VE4MM
Posted by
VE4MM on 2002-11-22
Re:Fat Ham Survey--I Hate Surveys
To quote an appropriate line from the old "Rocky Horror Picture Show"; "BOOOOORRRRING!!!!!"Next Survey...PULEEEEEEEZE!!!!!!
Posted by
RFGADFLY on 2002-11-21
to: KB1HMW
You missed my point entirely. I agree with you. In addition to direction-finding, perhaps strenuous Dxpeditions and radio backpacking activities would help.
Posted by
NI0C on 2002-11-20
Love to Hate
Yeah, being 6'4" (or 1.93 meters) and 190lbs (or 3.72Kilograms) makes me normal at 23.7, go figure. I coulda told you that, which I did. I'm one of those guys that can eat anything and everything and not gain a pound. Isn't life great? I especially like the responses where some got ultra technical with the medical background of actually being healthy and why this survey has nothing to do with ham radio. It's just there for fun, take it easy on the Chee-tos and take the HT with you the next time you go walking or riding your exercycle!
Another Dave, another dollar.
K5DRH
Posted by
W1LDD on 2002-11-19
Taking the Fifth
At 5'-7" and 160 lbs, I'm horrified to see that I just make the overweight category. But if I can lose one pound, I'll be in the normal group. So I refuse to answer at this time. Meanwhile, what am I supposed to do with the Fig Newtons I bought yesterday?
I jogged 3.5 miles Friday, but Sunday I watched football and fooled with the SS contest. Ham radio is to blame for my pitiful condition!
73--The Fat Man
Posted by
WA5BDU on 2002-11-18
WHAT??
What the #%&* does this have to do with ham radio, and why the #%&* has it been wasting space on an otherwise excellent website for so long?
Posted by
N9XNJ on 2002-11-18
Pictures tell the truth!
All this math work is killing me! See my picture in qrz.com, and tell me if you think I'm fat. I don't need a calculator to tell you I'm SKINNY!!!!!(Ha)
Posted by
KC5NOD on 2002-11-18
XXXXL headset
I won't lose any sleep until I see Heil selling "plus sized" headsets.......
73,
KD7PKO, Chris
Posted by
KD7PKO on 2002-11-16
Trip to Dayton
One Trip to Dayton Hamfest will confirm
the TERRIBLE TRUTH !!!!
Hams tend to be OVER WEIGHT !
Couch potatoes !
You have only have to see an grossly
overweight ham at Dayton with a small
QUAD a top of his hardhat to confirm
this "terrible truth" !
At almost 60 years old -
I am 6 ft 1 inch and a lean 175 !
But then I dont run with the "herd" !
I keep seeing ( in my minds eye )
this puny 125 lb wimp
running 5,000 watts on Top Band. Classic
case of over compensation !!
Posted by
N7XM on 2002-11-16
I'm apparently pretty thin
I didn't know how incredibly underweight I was. I'm only 6'1'' and about 125 pounds. I may be up to 130 by now. I guess I can afford to gain some. I'm only 15, so weight will probably come in time.
Posted by
KC9AIC on 2002-11-15
Now I may Be fat But..
I may be fat NOW but let me tell you about body mass calculations like this. I used to play professional football and at 6'3 and 290 pounds I could run a mile in under 6-1/2 minute. So If I was Extremely Obese at that time it was someone elses dream. Simple Calculations may work for some people but we got weighed in underwater dip tanks. Otherwise all athletes would be obese.
Posted by
AE9B on 2002-11-15
Re: Bunch of Liars
Sorry, but you are definately mistaken. Ham Radio demographics are 95% male, 50% old, a significant percentage are fat.
Ham Radio operators tend to be fat, in a greater percentage than the general
population. One just has to attend a random Hamfest and this would confirm
this.
Lack of physical activity, combined with bad eating habits lead to being fat. Hams tend to contest, ragchew, and other activities that take little physical activity. As a result, one becomes overwieght. If Hams spent more time direction finding, this would be a different story.
Posted by
KB1HMW on 2002-11-14
Hams that eat too much!
I always get a kick when I hear the locals on the most used 2 meter CB machine always getting together to EAT. After every "so called" public service event they go EAT. They are a disgrace to the hobby.
Posted by
WD8MGO on 2002-11-14
Pound to Kilogram conversion
Feel free to use my website if your not sure on the conversion.
73
http://www.calpoly.edu/~tdrenon/mass.htm
Posted by
KF6BUY on 2002-11-14
Only 17.9!!!
6 feet tall, 132 pounds
I'm in the bottom 2%. Well, some holiday eating might allow me to just creep into the normal category. No wonder I have difficulty shopping for pants. Every time I try to shop for pants, I swear that the clothing manufacturers expect all men to look like Willard Scott.
It's a good thing I'm not a celebrity. People would spread rumors that I'm anorexic.
Either I need to move to Amarillo, TX, or everyone else has a Texas-sized waistline. (When you approach Amarillo on Interstate 40, you will see steakhouse billboard advertising for free 72-ounce steaks for people who can consume the entire steak and all the fixings within one hour. I can't imagine how someone could eat this much, as this Texas-sized steak could feed at least 5 or 6 of me even when I am VERY hungry. The funny thing - every exit ramp is full of flyers advertising weight loss programs. I wonder if there is a conspiracy.)
Posted by
AG4DG on 2002-11-13
One good thing about this survey!
Anorexia is NOT a problem in the ham radio community.
Posted by
AG4DG on 2002-11-13
Thanksgiving
Notice:
Open Season on Fat HAMS for ThanksGiving!!!!
Phineas
K0KMA
Posted by
PHINEAS on 2002-11-12
Could it be???
Could it be we're spending too much time behind our radios and computers? I think so - as I resemble this remark now. I'm overweight. Bummer...
Posted by
KZ9G on 2002-11-12
Bunch of Liars
The results of this survey do not square with empirical observations at local hamfests.
Posted by
NI0C on 2002-11-11
huh
Well, I personally don't care for this survey but oh well. I just don't think it's right, tho, for hams to call other hams stupid or fat. Anyway, I'm 6' and around 247lbs. I'm working on bringing my weight down by trying to stay away from those vicious carbs.
-Benjamin
Posted by
KC7MMI on 2002-11-11
Ah! I'm almost underweight...
Well, according to my calculations, my BMI is 18.8, .3 away from being considered underweight. That makes sense. I stand about 5' 10" tall, and I weigh about 135 pounds...
Kris
KC7VWQ
Posted by
K7KRA on 2002-11-11
fat ham
My question is do you FART more after 40??? I have explored this question in the Dayton flea market with Dr. Larry Smith K4FD ( fart doctor). I think the answer is YES but they can be less stinky! If they are SILENT BUT DEADLY ( sud ) THAT IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
Posted by
K4ISV on 2002-11-10
It's not FAT......
It's TABLE MUSCLE!!! I refer to it as "building a roof over the pump house" :)
It's making sure I get my moneys worth at the buffet table.
Cheers to the hams that enjoy what they do!
Posted by
KB9ERU on 2002-11-09
fat and hams makes sense
Do you want to enjoy more of amateur radio? Then get rid of the fat so we all live long to enjoy amateur radio..Not a senseless survey after all hehehehe
Posted by
DY1VCO on 2002-11-09
Fat, NOT Today
I am however thankful I had my trusty calculator that has auto. conversion mode it sure made this task a whole lot easier for me. Fat is not where it's at. Having said that have a great day and 73' to all.
Posted by
KG4TET on 2002-11-08
Re: New Stereotype needed
WX3K: I'd even let her use phone!
Posted by
N2MG on 2002-11-07
26.8 and holding
I'm 26.8 BMI according to the formula; but not fat, just heavy for my height.
If I can grow two inches, I'll be perfect.
Where's that stepstool?
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2002-11-07
Kilograms & Centimeters
TNX for the conversion factors. Remember when the USA was going to convert to metric to be in step with the rest of the world? What happened? It seems we gave up on the idea half-way through the process and now everything is a confusing ordeal. I need 2 sets of wrenches to work on my car, 2 measuring cups to cook breakfast and a scientific calculator to buy tires. (Tyres) We have a rim size of 15 inches, a side-wall size of H and a tread width of 235 centimeters. It used to be a simple task to just tell the fellow to put on 4 new 850-15 Silvertowns. Incidentally, did you know that an "articulating lorry" is a semi-truck in English? HI HI Have a good day, mates! Johnny W4XKE
Posted by
W4XKE on 2002-11-07
Good survey
Sure it's a bit "off topic" but it's good to see some other stuff here once in a while.
For we lazy Americans, take your weight in pounds, divide by height in inches squared, then multiply by 691. For example, (190lbs/(72in*72in))*691 = 25.3 same as (86.4kg)/(1.85m*1.85m)
Mike N2MG
webmaster
Posted by
N2MG on 2002-11-06
PHAT not FAT
And I'm PHAT not FAT (whatever that means)
Posted by
N2MG on 2002-11-06
New Stereotype needed
I think we need a new stereotype for Ham Radio....
A tall slim blonde with a backpack full of radio gear(FT-817) climbing up a mountainous trail while QSOing on 20 meter CW ?
Now this is a PHAT idea !
Posted by
WX3K on 2002-11-06
only one comment..........
BURP
Posted by
KL7IPV on 2002-11-05
BMI =?= Radio??
I did the calculations for myself and I am far from "normal". I did the calculations for my height and even at the top of the "normal" range I would be unhealthly skinny. BMI alone is not an accurate judgement of physical health.
Posted by
KD6JIB on 2002-11-05
"Honey, does my radio make my butt look big?"
Posted by
K5DVW on 2002-11-05
not so fat
I'm a health nut,love bodybuilding and chewing the rag.
No excuse for being out of shape..
Posted by
KC9CEW on 2002-11-05
hmmmmm
Calculationed BMI is 36.632344033918837068443367655966
let me see, 6'6" and 320 lbs.... 48" waist
Yep... I am not a healthy weight, but I am not considered terribly over wieght.... Yes I need to lose some wieght, but right now, I dont worry too much about it since I am happy with my life
The question doesnt bother me cause it was fun to calculate out to see where you land
Not all people will get a BMI that is true ofr their situation, so dont sweat it
Not all the stuff here will be totally ham related, but it did the one thing a survey needs to do, stir up conversation........ Thanks Andy
Posted by
KB8FMF on 2002-11-05
FAT HAMS
Well, you made me mad with this question! I was overweight every time I was sent into combat and it didn't seem to matter to anyone.
Posted by
N4VNV on 2002-11-04
Fat who me?
Fat?
I wouldn't know fat if it hit me...
Such a lightweight...
www.mm0ant.co.uk
Robertv!
Posted by
MM0ANT on 2002-11-04
Smell Bad
What about all the hams, fat or not who never bath ? Anyone who has ever been to a inside hamfest knows the reek of dirty bodies and false teeth glue....At Dayton, inside when it rained you needed a gas mask...no wonder they stay in the hamshacks all day.
Posted by
KE9UE on 2002-11-04
fat hams
lets have a survey of band usage vs weight
Posted by
KB1IKE on 2002-11-04
BMBI
Why not a "body mass band index," where we calculate weight by frequency?
The lightweights could be the guys who complain about QRM, the heavyweights could be contesters (or maybe boat-anchor collectors), etc.
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2002-11-04
Lardass...
Hi. I'm the guy in the example: 6'2" and 220lbs. I'm also an amateur bodybuilder with 6% bodyfat but this chart puts me in the obese category so "the results make me think" someone forgot to include bodyfat as part of the equation.
73's
K4JRG
Posted by
K4JRG on 2002-11-04
Radio?
What does BMI have to do with radio?
Posted by
WWWW on 2002-11-03
Lighten up Folks
I'm amazed at the amount of negative posts, "stupid survey" comments...but I reckon these would be from Hams too fat and stupid to work out why they are sick all the time can't get a job or even a sideways look from the opposite sex...as they change channels with one hand and shovel more corn-chips with the other!
The people you love and those that love you and/or depend on you would be devastated at your early departure...think about that!
Those complaining that this survey has nothing to do with ham radio need to get a life, and that it is ok to "deviate from the norm" occasionally...
Posted by
VK5LA on 2002-11-03
TOOOO FAT
Yes, I am to fat too. I always have been and more than likely will always be. I am 5' 11" (was 6' 1" but lost my neck)and 265 LBS. I have a disease that causes my muscles to tremor all the time, thus if I try to exercise all my muscles cramp. Yes even my face when I eat. You would think since my body seems to self exercise, (in my sleep my arms and legs spasm, literally running in my sleep) I would loose some weight.
Since I can’t get around much (I am much round, HI), because my leg muscles cramp and I will fall. I spend most of my time talking (on the radio and computer)! MORE TIME FOR HAM RADIO. Are we called Hams because we are (most of us) FAT?
Posted by
W9WDM on 2002-11-03
Fat Hams
Go to URL:
http://www.adrenalineadventures.net/news/330.html
And find nearly 20% of americans are obese
QUOTE:The 2000 national obesity average of 19.8 percent is up from 12
percent in 1991, according to a government survey. Twenty-two states had a
rate last year of 20 percent or higher, while no state had a rate that high
in 1991, the authors said in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical
Association.
According to the statistics you quoted only 18% of hams owned up to
obesity -- less than the national average !!!!!!
So why would you single out Amateur Radio Operators ???
Posted by
AC6V on 2002-11-03
Who cares ? :)
Come on chaps ! What has this to do with
Ham Radio ? We don't care what the op at the other end looks like as long as he/she is a convivial and interesting contact.
Some folk are small,some are big for a myriad of reasons.
I have average weight due to years of playing soccer and running but it has not one iota of inference to my Ham radio
activity.
Besides would you really want Santa to look like a Marathon Runner ? :)
Posted by
G3SEA on 2002-11-03
FatFarm Survey
Hey Guys and Gals, Lets make the next survey about how UGLY we are, cool idea, huh?
W0CKI, in great shape, I think.
73's
Posted by
W0CKI on 2002-11-03
please another!!!!!!
please scrap this survey and post another question. this is the dumbiest survey question I have ever heard. has nothing to do with ham radio.
oh by the way the ham who sez he stays in shape while waiting for the other ones to drop from a heart attack be advised. I too work out and am not
overweight but i had a heart attack this summer, It was a gift i received from my fathers family line. Be carefull what you
say you could be next
Posted by
W8OB on 2002-11-02
Weight
Considering the time we spend behind the microphone, we should all be pretty skinny, right? After all, it's impolite to speak with your mouth full!
Posted by
K2KOH on 2002-11-02
Europian Standards ?
Who came up with these absolutes ?
My results were just into the overweight catagory. Yet, I am 5 foot 8 inches at 168 lbs with a 30 inch waist. (height sq=2.983...weight = 76.4)
I have trouble finding pants that aren't too big without scanning the little boys department. My doctor has told me I'm too skinny and I don't have a gut....so I'm not giving up this hobby yet.
Besides, anyone hear of bicycle mobile HF ?
Posted by
AB0TA on 2002-11-02
FAT HAMS
WHO MAKES THE JUDGEMENY AS TO WHAT IS NORMAL? IF THIS IS NORMAL THEN ALL HAMS (SHOULD BE PORKERS)OR DO I HAVE THAT REVERSED?????????????????
Posted by
ARKCRO on 2002-11-02
survey sucks
junk the survey
this is a stupid waste of time
Posted by
KC8RDJ on 2002-11-02
Oh, well...
As the old saying goes: Shit happens.
Running the numbers from memory, I ended up with a 24.776 and using the factors mentioned above I got 25.319...Being 54 yr of age, WASP, and somewhat active in my daily life, I figured this was well within acceptable limits considering that I use to grab, lift and walk with 400 lbs of barite sacks in my hands! Yes, the joints suffer from sky diving and other activities in past years. Still smoke a pack a day and eat anything in sight when hungry. No soda pop, just 3 to 5 pots of black coffee daily. (old oilpatch habits die slowly). Try to average 6 hr of sleep nightly, over each week - sometimes even make it!
I do think age and gravity have something to do with this outcome - as a group, all people in the world are getting heavier. Just saw where 3rd world countries are now fighting with the same waist size increases of the more industrialized nations...go figure. The DNA mapping and recording at birth is an area of great concern for me, as it should be for all "free" peoples!
Posted by
KD7DCR on 2002-11-02
PORKED OUT!
210 lbs & 6' tall. Should be 180 lbs, feels like I am carrying a Sears Diehard battery- hey this give me an idea for QRO portable. Lose 30 lbs, add a battery and rig....
Posted by
JAMES_BENEDICT_EX_N8FVJ on 2002-11-02
age and weight
As the ham population ages, so too will it become more unfit. That's just a fact of life. Iused to be as skinny as a rail and now I am at the very top of the 'normal' (which is really 'healthy' in the real BMI charts').
Maybe our rigs are too light these days, and we'd be better off lifting those old johnson viking II boatanchors of old, HA HA
Posted by
N1YRK on 2002-11-02
Huh?
Someone please help me out here. What has this got to do with Ham Radio?
73
Ray, AA7IH
Posted by
AA7IH on 2002-11-01
A healthy HAM!
Interesting survey! What I find the most interesting going to various hamfests including Dayton. The amount of hams who can barely get around. And these are the operators who are going to save the world!
They will probably have heart attacks and someone will probably save them.
And I get looks when I am carrying my PRC-77 manpack since I am tall and slender and stay physically fit.
Just like anything else it takes effort staying physically fit.
Posted by
WD8MGO on 2002-11-01
FATSO!
I used to be skinny, now I'm fat, so what?
Has it ever occured to anyone that FAT PEOPLE HAVE HOBBIES TOO? We cannot all be skinny marathon runners or win the genetic lottery.
To me just asking the question is an insult. It's just another way to make the skinny feel superior at the expense of fat folks. We "fatsos" are already the butt of jokes, bias, bigotry and descrimination.
Seeing this question in a place I go to relax is really depressing. Am I over reacting? Maybe, however I don't care. Fat people have feelings too. Some of us fat people are just sick and tired of having it pointed out all the time. WE ALREADY KNOW WE ARE FAT. I'm still a person and it should make no difference if a Ham is skinny or fat.
Posted by
KC7LSP on 2002-11-01
Oh Nooooooo Mr Bill
Groan.
Now we need to correlate BMI with CW usage, tower height, and if people passed the real tests or the "light" ones??
Have FUN
Bob
Posted by
RobertKoernerExAE7G on 2002-11-01
Lies, Damn lies & Statistics
Interesting survey, but some care needs to be taken with BMI.
It's one measure, and it should be used carefully. We should believe that "18.5 - 24.9 - Normal" represents the average ?
What is "normal" or average any way? BMI indicates a 60Kg man who is 1.8 m tall is "normal" ... OK, how many people do you know who fit the description ? Overweight people don't live as long ? There is no compelling evidence to link lowered mortality rates with weight loss. Regular exercise is the key regardless of BMI !
How many of our elite military forces would fit in the normal BMI range ? Muscle weighs more than fat !
BMI is just one measure .... which should be used with care.
Posted by
VK4JAM on 2002-11-01
Suddenly...
I feel so FAT !!!
Posted by
K2XL on 2002-10-31
Fat hams
Just judging from my observations at hamfests I think a higher than average number of hams are overweight. However, remember that the average ham is about 60 years gold and ham radio is a sedentary hobby anyway.
Posted by
KB0RDL on 2002-10-31
NOT EVERYHAM IS FAT
for those who sayd that hams are also liers , thats not true ,cause ,the fact that in the United States you have a problem of fatness (thats not only in ham cases) doesnt mean that in the entire world its the same . i dont say that beeing fat is bad , but for ex. my BMI is 21.22 and im a 16 years old ham , and im not a liar.
73 from Ed , LU1YNE
Posted by
LU1YNE on 2002-10-31
Yikes!
Mine came out to 31.872. Well, I guess I'd better start drinking Slim Fast.
I'm either just into the Obese category, or I'm simply a little short for my weight.
Posted by
AD7DB on 2002-10-31
Ha ha ha
lets see,
I am 5'6" 31 years old, weigh 124lbs, have not lost a strand of hair, sit on my butt all day at work, don't exercise, smoke, and eat whatever i want. Don't believe me, look up my callsign here on eham and there is a picture. Just thought i would rub it in.
Posted by
KE1MB on 2002-10-31
yea right 33% of hams are normal??
Posted by
WB2GFR on 2002-10-31
Hmmmm
Makes you wonder...
At 51, I'm 6'5" and weigh 205. I'm barely in the "normal" category with a BMI of 24.309.
Michael Jordan is an inch taller than I am and weights 11 pounds more than I do. If I've done the math correctly, his BMI is 24.997. Mr. Jordan is .003 away from being classified as "overweight".
Yikes!
73 to all
de Mike, K9UW
Amherst, WI
Posted by
K9UW on 2002-10-31
Fat Hams
Hand me another slice of pizza and another beer, please.
Posted by
AK4P on 2002-10-31
Oh Yeah...
I'm not overweight,
I'm Undertall!!!
Posted by
W1RG on 2002-10-31
if you translate those kiloes and stone-weight confuserama terms into good old american pounds and feet i'll get back to you with a coherant answer... (what a pointless question for this website... the best cw op i ever knew, and the most gentleman-like ham i ever knew was a porcine piece of whale-meat. better an overweight nice guy than a slim, trim no-mind!)
Posted by
N0VLJ on 2002-10-31
safer than other surveys
At least this survey is not trying to divide and conqueror the ham population. Earlier surveys ended up being a contestor vs. non-contestor or CW vs SSB argument/War. Now all we have to worry about it fat ham vs. thin ham war.
Maybe for the phone sweepstakes I will move the exercise bike, which I use regularly, in front of the rig and peddle for 24 hours while calling CQ. Do often take the HT with me on the bike commutes to work, or on bike rides in general, and it is a nice way to combine 2 hobbies. Now if I can only get a TS2000 back again with a D7A HT to run sky command I will really be in business.
Posted by
NE0P on 2002-10-31
OH MY...
This is your humble ( and very Fat) surveymaster...
I was amazed when I found out how big I'd become - 130kg!
Most likely due to lots of sitting around operating and listening on the radio, so I did some research and was quite suprised that I will need to lose around 50 kilograms to get back to a normal weight.
I haven't weighed that since high school!
But I have gone on a diet and am now getting regular exersize ( I'm walking 4 km a day at the moment)
If your not careful, Ham radio can be hazardous to you health! (apologies to the fit hams out there!)
Cheers!
Andy - VK5LA
Posted by
VK5LA on 2002-10-30
Fat Hams
This is a humiliating post!! I had to get out a book to convert the formula to real American pounds and inches. Now I am in the very fat category. Tomorrow I must start a diet. Is there no shame on eHam?
Posted by
K8NQC on 2002-10-30
It's Our Darn Image Problem Again...
The ham stereotype (perpetuated by my friends, family and the community at large) is one of a grumpy, overweight, sedentary male over 50 sitting at his rig drinking caffeinated soda pop.
The image I try to perpetuate comes straight off a brochure for Kenwood’s TH-D7A handheld. Here you see a hiker in the wilderness with his GPS connected to his APRS-capable hand held. He’s mountain-topping his position and sharing his adventure through radio. Heck, radio is an integral part of his adventure.
As a lover of the outdoors and amateur radio, this image has given me a fair bit of (albeit superficial) inspiration. The inspiration of substance comes from articles on mountain-topping, DX-peditions – not to mention the interesting things people are doing with radios like the FT-817 in portable/backpack applications.
I contend we have an image problem though. If you’re overweight, yet participate in your local ARES group, how helpful are you going to be if the emergency/disaster requires quick, on-foot response?
I have a minor physical/neurological handicap. While it can be somewhat debilitating, I refuse to abandon physical fitness and the enjoyment of the outdoors through amateur radio.
Posted by
VE3TMB on 2002-10-30
I Think the Calculation is wrong !!!!
I am fairly tall (6'2"). I am a touch overweight according this calculation. My doc says my weight is ideal. When I was skinny (so long ago!), my BMI is considered ideal with this formula. Maybe we need to figure out the force of gravity over years as part of the calculation...hi hi. If you are so inclined, the conversions are 1 foot equals 0.3048 meters and 1 pound equals 0.4536 kilograms. Despite our personal feelings, doesn't hurt you to find out where stand. Go out and work on those antennas or walk instead out sitting on your can working DX. 73's
Posted by
K7DWI on 2002-10-30
I wouldn't get to hung up on the formula especially if you are active or athletic.
According to the formula, I'm in the overweight category. I weight train 3 days a week and cardio train 6-7 days a week (at least 30-40 mins).
A more accurate method would be to measure the percentage of body fat, but not everyone can.
An interesting survey just the same.
Posted by
K2TF on 2002-10-30
Fat Hams Formula
Uhhhh.....whatever......
Posted by
KV4BL on 2002-10-30
Damn
I believe this is pretty accurate, and it's time for me to cut back on snacks...
Posted by
WB2WIK on 2002-10-30
Just in under the wire...
I'm just making it into the "normal" category, but lately I've been noticing that those pants are getting a bit too snug for my liking! Hopefully I'll manage to correct it now, before it really becomes a problem.
This speaks to a larger issue (no pun intended) but if you look around when you go out somewhere, it's staggering how many really heavy people there are in our society. That isn't intended as a slam against them, moreso a concern for how it must be to live "like that", with all the issues that accompany such weight. We, as a society, eat too much, and too much of the wrong stuff, and get too little exercise, and I'm completely guilty! No one needs to be model-thin, but health-wise, it's quite scary, indeed. Now if I can only heed my own concerns, put down the cheeseburgers, and get up out of the chair!
Take care, everyone. Really.
73
Bruce, N1VLQ
Posted by
N1VLQ on 2002-10-30
error percentage?
One thing to remember is that muscles weigh more than fat, I am 5'9" and weigh 250. Some may think that is too much, but I spent years working in the construction trades (Journeyman plasterer/brick mason), and was and still am a weightlifter, so I have alot of muscletone.
I am not saying that I couldn't stand to lose some weight, but the only area I have any fat is my stomach, and I'd estimate that would only make about a 15 pound difference.
Posted by
KC8TCQ on 2002-10-30
Stupid Survey
Well from one extreme to another. Last survey very popular are applicable to Ham radio This one has what to do with Ham radio?
Posted by
K9PO on 2002-10-30
Too stupid...
Are you a STUPID ham? How about an IQ test and chart so we can see something that would really be interresting to know ;-)
Posted by
NB6Z on 2002-10-30
confused
is this a multiple choice question?? and can we expect questions like this on our exam sheet for a licence upgrade.
Posted by
M3SDX on 2002-10-30
Fat Hams
Well I perfer to snack on things during those late night QSOs on the the local repeaters. Also I did notice that allot of hams are overweight, its a overweight hobby. You sit, you talk, you eat.
73
Posted by
KD5OWO on 2002-10-30
Interesting....
Some very interesting comments on this one. I weight train 5 days a week and have a quite high BMI according to the above calculation, but have boday fat of about 5%. As pointed out earlier, muscle is heavier than fat. As also pointed out earlier,body fat is the true number we should look at for this particular survey.
Posted by
W5MX on 2002-10-30
Excellent Survey Question
I find this to be an excellent survey question. Why? Because it concerns the health and welfare of not only the hams to whom it is directed but also for their family and friends, should the formula be shared with them. It is also a prescient question reflecting the quality of life changes looming up on the horizon of our society in general.
The BMI is in use far more than most people realize. Most comprehensive physicals now make use of it. In fact many Federally mandated physicals require that it become a part of one's over all assessment as to general fitness. This index is also one of several leading to a predictive model for an individual's risk of morbidity (illness). If one were to graph the BMI against an age gradient, a prospective employer or health insurer could base their hiring or coverage decisions upon it. The nearer one is to obesity and older, generally the more prone that individual is likely to suffer from diabetes, cardio-vascular disease and joint dysfunctions to name a few likelihoods.
Not too far down the road DNA sampling of prospective applicants for jobs and or insurance coverage will be implemented. Take it a step further and include a mortgage applications as well. These tests will act as baselines for predicting mobidity and "downtime" in people's lives. Think about the efforts now being made by politicians who want to use DNA finger printing from birth creating a cradle to grave profile that can be shared eventually without your approval or knowledge under the pretext of a benefit.
The Human Genome Project is directed at recognizing genetic propensities for the so called purpose of ameliorating the expression of disease due to genetics by creating magic bullets if you will, for correcting certain recognized patterns. For example, currently it is known that there is a gene that can express colon cancer. Would an insurance company or employer take on an individual who down the road may cost them mega bucks for treatment once that disease is expressed? Will the employer want to add (subtrack) those lost days of productivity to their bottom line?
In the old days, Loss Management was thought of as preventing employees from stealing the pencils from work. What harbinger of change do you think is about to come upon us all too soon, given the evolving medical technologies? Long before the magic bullets arrive, the predictive aspects of the new Eugenics will be used, for want of another term, against the individual and their ability to fit into a society and live what we now know as a productive life. The bottom line will prevail in those matters.
The BMI is just a rudimentary step, a beginning if you will, in that direction. So for those who think this is a senseless and useless survey question, use a little imagination and wet your "index" finger, raising it up over your head to see which way the wind is blowing.
Posted by K2ANE on 2002-10-30
I am a normal ham
yep, I am an aging fat white guy... a normal ham! BUT, I have lost 350 pounds and I have all my hair.
Posted by
K8YS on 2002-10-30