What is the appropriate goal?

mburgess458

As I am getting closer to my initial goal weight/body fat percentage I am rethinking if they are the right numbers. My overall goal is health. Has anyone come across any studies that would indicate a "sweet spot" for good health in terms of weight (I guess that would be a BMI figure, which I don't love) or body fat percentage or relationship to your weight when you were young and fit or whatever?

I certainly realize that everyone is different. Perhaps there isn't a goal that would be the best for everyone health-wise. Or perhaps it doesn't matter that much as long as you are within spitting distance of your own ideal weight.

jemhh

It's common to start to rethink your goal once you get close to it. My initial goal was the top of my BMI range. Now that I'm within it, I'm at the "I'll know it when I see it" point. Every person's goals are different enough that there is no one size fits all approach to setting a goal weight.

Liftng4Lis

The one that makes you happy.

SergeantSausage

I have no idea where to stop.

I'm feeling good now ... but can I feel better? Probably. Is that "better" at a lighter weight? Should I put on weight - bulk like a bodybuilder? Will a little more *fat* feel better? (I know, right? - but it might ...)

Wish I had a crystal ball to see the future.

I've decided, for now, at the first of the month (Mar 1) to go the reverse - put on weight: 12 to 15 pounds of muscle (minimal fat) over the next year.

Is that the right move?

Who knows? It's all a big experiment to find the optimal conditions, right?

Set a *reasonable*, achievable goal. Get there. See what it's like. Re-evaluate. Make any necessary changes. Set a new goal. Rinse. Repeat as necessary.

jemhh

SergeantSausage wrote: »

I have no idea where to stop.

I'm feeling good now ... but can I feel better? Probably. Is that "better" at a lighter weight? Should I put on weight - bulk like a bodybuilder? Will a little more fat feel better?

Wish I had a crystal ball to see the future.

I've decided, for now, at the first of the month (Mar 1) to go the reverse - put on 12 to 15 pounds of muscle (minimal fat) over the next year.

Is that the right move?

Who knows? It's all a big experiment to find the optimal conditions, right?

Set a *reasonable*, achievable goal. Get there. See what it's like. Re-evaluate. Make any necessary changes. Set a new goal. Rinse. Repeat as necessary.

I think you said it better than I did. It really can be a moving goal. Right now I think I'll likely end up losing another 10-15 pounds in order to reduce fat. After that I'll likely take a maintenance break and then want to gain a bit in order to gain muscle and because, from what I've read, it can help skin recovery. After that I'll want to lose fat again As you said, rinse and repeat.