How to know when to lose weight or not lose weight?

Sheseeksstrength

I have a few questions in regards to knowing when to stop losing weight and when to continue. I view my body as still having to lose 10-15 lbs. However, I have heard differently from other people. Some people tell me I could lose 5 lbs. and others tell me not to lose weight.
I just don't know necessarily where to go from here.

I am currently 128.6 lbs and 5'3". I used to weigh 116 lbs. and I can wear MOST of the clothes I could wear then, with the exception of 1-2 pairs of pants. I know I have gained some fat in the past year (I can tell in my stomach), however, my period has returned, which has been irregular. It has been back for about 8-9 months. I just feel unsure of what to do in regards to my weight...

nineteentwenty

"I view my body as still having to lose 10-15 lbs" - bingo! That's the answer. If I'd listened to people telling me to stop losing, I'd have never hit my goal. People view us going from bigger to smaller as alarming, and will try and stop us It's not their fault or yours, just don't listen. So long as your goal weight is medically healthy (and if you don't know, ask your doctor!), don't stop.

nineteentwenty

Also: I say to ask your doctor because a straight BMI reading will be inaccurate. BMIs apply to general populations as opposed to your particular bodytype. My BMI says I am technically underweight, but my doctor assures me that I am a healthy person and that's all I need to hear. I'm tall with a thing frame- we all have different needs.

terbusha

It's not really weight that you'd like to get rid of. It's your excess body fat. I would focus on intense exercise, including weight lifting to work those muscles, and developing a healthy diet. You're in a good weight range, so you're good there. Focus on improving performance and you'll start to reduce body fat, if you're nutrition is good as well. If you lose a little bit of weight, that's great. If you get as lean and toned as you'd like and stay ~125, that's great too! That means you have more muscle and have better fitness. Does that make sense?

jaga13

If your weight gain prompted your period to return, does that mean your prior weight was too low? I don't know, but you should discuss with your dr as that is pretty serious if your weight caused a lack of a period.

brynnsmom

If you think you could lose a little more, than do it - that's all that matters. You sound like you are at a healthy weight for your height, but then again so is 116.

Sheseeksstrength

Thanks for all the suggestions, especially the first poster... I think your right, I want to be confident and happy. I need that for me, not for other people