I don't want to lose enough?

Shandrith

So, I currently weigh just under 300 pounds (1 month, 10# down!), and I'm hoping to get to about 160. Apparently, this means that I'm not serious about losing weight. I don't understand why, but I've been told that, because I want to stop in what is still technically an overweight range for my height, I might as well not bother. Now, all of my numbers, other than the number on the scale, are in the healthy range. My cholesterol is good, my a1c is normal, my thyroid numbers are normal, everything is OK. My main motivation for losing weight is pure vanity. Looking at myself and my family I honestly believe that much smaller than 150 and I would begin to look sickly. So here is my question for you guys, do I have the right to ask for help and support from family/friends given that my goal is still "unhealthy"?

craftscout

If someone else is willing to do all the work of changing your diet and lifestyle, then they can tell you when to stop. But since YOU have to do the work, YOU get to make all the decisions. Whoever is telling you that you shouldn't bother because 160 isn't "healthy" must live in a weird world where it's better to be 310lbs and morbidly obese than 160 and simply overweight. Make the decision that is best for you and then work your *kitten* off (literally) until you reach your goal!

seasicksquid

BMI is really finicky, and doesn't account for things like muscle mass or excess skin. I wouldn't worry about it. Your goal weight may even change when you get to 160 if you see the need for more or need for muscle gains. Just focus on being healthy and comfortable in your own skin. If they don't support you in that, then I would reconsider my relationships with them.

ScrAgnX

I don't feel like anyone should get hung up over a number on a scale (not that I don't get upset when mine doesn't drop, I'm not that good). Instead we should target activities we want to be able to do, make sure we can keep up with others, and ensure our health isn't compromised/affected by our weight.

You don't have to be thin to be fit, and that is what I am personally striving for ... Fitness.

My idea of fitness is probably in the "healthy" BMI range, but that's because my job duties include occasional bouts of heavy physical activity in areas 2-3 feet shorter than me. My target activities will dictate my actuall stopping point.

One other thought to keep in mind; you don't have to have a permanent goal in mind. If you want to aim halfway to where you think you want to be, reassess and set another goal that's perfectly acceptable. Goals can be whatever you want them to be in the start and change throughout the experience; the ultimate/final goal is to be happy with yourself.

adkates1287

You need to decide what's best for you. You feel like 160 is a good weight for you, then that is what you should strive for. No one has a right to dictate what you do with your body, or how you feel about yourself. I, myself, only want to get down to about 200, but that is still me losing approximately 140lbs which I think is pretty damn good. You should rock whatever weight you are and whatever weight you want to be. You're beautiful. That's what family and friends need to tell you.

Shandrith

thanks everyone. I guess sometimes I just need to hear it coming from impartial observers. you guys rock!

cincysweetheart

My maintenance weight is also still technically in the overweight range of BMI. Luckily my family and friends are very supportive of that… and feel that I'd look great at that weight. My reasoning for choosing that weight takes into account that I'm likely going to have some horrific loose skin. Also, I've been overweight my entire life. I have no idea how I'd feel or look at a particular weight. I have one sister that's the same height as me that I use for a gauge. Her lowest weight was still 18 pounds higher than my "goal." So I take into account genetics as well. When I get closer to that point… I may reevaluate. And I may choose to try to loose that additional 10 pounds that will put me in the "normal" range. Or I may decide to stick where I'm at.

BMI is best applied to large populations as it doesn't take into account muscle, genetics, or excess skin. When applied to individuals is really a poor indicator of health. Only you know what is best for you! Tell everyone else to shove it!

craftscout

Right, I think it's important to have a goal so you have something to work toward, and pounds are easy to count. But ultimately, my goals are things like being able to sit on my knees for as long as I want, taking long backpacking trips with my husband, wearing the style of clothing I want and have it look the way I imagine it, being able to do pull-ups, rocking Scorpion pose. These are harder to count my progress towards, but I think they are better indicators of how healthy I am.

As far as the pounds go, my plan has always been to just get started, and once I lose 200lbs (half my body weight), reassess and see where I want to go. Well, I reassessed at 100 pounds. I'm now shooting for a weight of 160lbs. as far as numbers goes. Maybe after the next 100 pounds (sometime this fall), I'll reassess again.

It's a journey, and you're never really going to be sure at the beginning where you will end up.

HLaR79

It shouldn't matter what your goal is you should be supported either way!! It's easy for people to mix up support with advice. I hope you find what your looking for!!

dinobomp

That is absurd!! For every pound you lose, your heart fares better! The more you lose, the more your heart will thank you! And you will feel better, and be able to move better. Any amount is beneficial! I am over 300, and put 190 as my goal. I don't expect to ever be "thin" again, but I'd love to be under 200. It is YOUR journey, and you do it however you want! Some of us will be happy to encourage you!

amcook4

I started at 325, and currently 246, so I'm still obese. I do plan on losing a lot more, but even if I did stop right now, and maintain at 246, I am still much, much healthier than I was at 325. Plus my quality of life has greatly improved.

BMI is a flawed metric, any weight you lose will be beneficial. Your goal weight is set by you, once you get to it, re-evaluate if you like it or want to keep losing, your choice, but either way you are making good choices for yourself.