How much weight should I lose?

lennonluvr

I am 4'11". I weigh in at 177. I just started eating healthy this week.

I have been overweight my whole life. I don't think I've ever been below 160 even as a teen.

I want to be healthy, and shed some pounds. Looking at a "healthy" weight for my height (around 111) seems... impossible.

My goal is 125. Is it really possible? Is it healthy?

SueInAz

Pounds are such an arbitrary number for a goal. What's healthy for you is going to be determined by factors beyond your height and gender. Are you fine-boned and inactive? Are you large-boned and lift weights? People of the same height with those two differences are going to look very different at the same weight.

125 is as good of first goal as any. Once you get close, you can make the decision if you're happy there or not and adjust accordingly.

Honestly, I'd suggest you choose a different goal than a scale based one, though. Body fat, for example, is a much better indicator of health. Be sure you're measuring yourself and tracking that, too. The tape measure tells a better story than the scale.

middlehaitch

Yes 125 is possible, and it is just within the healthy weight range for your height according to BMI calculations.
If this goal is a bit daunting, break it down into 10lb goals.

Choose a reasonable deficit so you don't get too hungry or give up in frustration.
If you don't have a digital food scale already, do get one, and weigh your food.

Try to incorporate some form of exercise. Cardio is good for cardio vascular performance; weight bearing is good for bones and muscles. It also helps you hold on to the muscles you already have.

Get established logging your food then start looking at a bit of exercise.
Take it slow and steady until you are comfortable.

Use a camera, tape measure, and scales to track your changes.
Cheers, h.