How to know when to stop?

TheVirgoddess

I know this is probably a dumb question. A lot of people just say they just knew when to stop - I'm afraid with the negative way I still perceive my body, that I won't know and that I'll go too far. I'm one of those all-in kinda people and I really push myself hard most of the time.

My doctor told me that I should stop losing weight. My grandmother told me I was getting too thin. I know those comments should just roll off my back, but they triggered a realization that I'm fearful that I *will* go too far.

My current stats are: 5'4.5", 160.8 pounds, 27.2 BMI. I know I'm not what anyone would consider thin or skinny. I know that I still have some weight to lose. I just don't know how much. My goal has always been to get to a healthy BMI (148) and reevaluate.

If I still see the obese version of me in the mirror and in my head (I started at 232 pounds), how will I know when enough is enough?

My avatar photo is the most recent photo I have - I'm in a size 8. Maybe I should choose a size goal instead of a weight goal? Use BMI to determine things?

I'm probably over-thinking this, I know. I'm pretty controlling and like to have a plan - so not having a plan is throwing me for a loop.

Thanks in advance for any input/advice.

sfbaumgarten

Why did your doctor tell you to stop losing weight?

Yogi_warrior

I use BF% to decide if I have to gain or lose weight. BMI for individuals is not as good an indicator as BF%.

TheVirgoddess

sfbaumgarten wrote: »

Why did your doctor tell you to stop losing weight?

He said I was fine where I was and there was no need to continue losing weight. I was 165 at the time.

TheVirgoddess

leonidas_and_spartacus wrote: »

I use BF% to decide if I have to gain or lose weight. BMI for individuals is not as good an indicator as BF%.

What's the most accurate way to get that number? I'd like to know mine.

cwolfman13

BMI is a good place to start, just keep in mind that it's a range in order to take into account different body types, bone structures, etc...often people make the mistake of just picking a number and assuming it's "healthy" for them because it's somewhere in the range, and that's just not so.

For the vast majority of people, trying to get down to at least the high end of BMI is a good starting point...so I think your plan to do that and reevaluate is a good one.

From there, I'd put more focus on BF% and composition. You also might want to talk with a professional about your body image issues if they're severe. Counseling and some therapy can really be helpful...I don't go specifically for that, but I've been getting treatment for my general anxiety for several months now and it's really helped me see thing differently in general and I'm to the point now where I just go once per month.

TheVirgoddess

cwolfman13 wrote: »

BMI is a good place to start, just keep in mind that it's a range in order to take into account different body types, bone structures, etc...often people make the mistake of just picking a number and assuming it's "healthy" for them because it's somewhere in the range, and that's just not so.

For the vast majority of people, trying to get down to at least the high end of BMI is a good starting point...so I think your plan to do that and reevaluate is a good one.

From there, I'd put more focus on BF% and composition. You also might want to talk with a professional about your body image issues if they're severe. Counseling and some therapy can really be helpful...I don't go specifically for that, but I've been getting treatment for my general anxiety for several months now and it's really helped me see thing differently in general and I'm to the point now where I just go once per month.

Okay, that sounds like a good plan. I've already started lifting weights, and I have an idea of what I'd like my body to look like, so I think your suggestion is totally doable!

I am in talk therapy, too. I don't hate my body at all, I just can't seem to see the real me now. I mean, I can see pictures and I think "wow, that's me? I look pretty good!", but there's still that disconnect, you know?

Yogi_warrior

TheVirgoddess wrote: »

leonidas_and_spartacus wrote: »

I use BF% to decide if I have to gain or lose weight. BMI for individuals is not as good an indicator as BF%.

What's the most accurate way to get that number? I'd like to know mine.

Bod pod or hydrostatic weighing should give you a good BF%. Each test costs like $30-35. But again, you don't need to do often, once in 3 or 6 months is not a bad start. I don't trust the BF% from the weighing scales or hand held BF scales.