Short, relatively small women in long-term maintenance

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  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    I'm also petite without much muscle mass - is because I'm low tone. I walked late and was always the slowest kid in gym class, chosen the last for teams.

  • Jubee13
    Jubee13 Posts: 132 Member
    segacs wrote: »
    What are everyone's stats and maintenance ranges?

    I'm still working on trying to find mine. I was eating at 1450 while losing, and now have upped it to 1600 to maintain, which I *think* is around my current maintenance range, though I'm still trying to work it out. (Those numbers include exercise, by the way. I use the TDEE method.)

    So far, maintenance doesn't feel much different from eating at a deficit. I don't know why, but I had this weird idea in my head that I'd be able to eat so much food at maintenance; the message boards are full of people transitioning to maintenance who are perplexed about how to add on so many calories. For me it's the opposite problem; I've arrived here and yet I'm still almost as restricted as I was during weight loss.

  • Expatmommy79
    Expatmommy79 Posts: 940 Member
    I know this is a maintenance group, but in case there are any littles looking for support on the way to maintenance, please come join our new group:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/110005-little-women

    If the link doesn't work please PM me and I will send you an invite.

    Maintainers also welcome! Would be great to have some tried and tested losers with us.
  • klove808
    klove808 Posts: 346 Member
    Currently 5'1, 110. Just started having to balance eating and exercise, mostly been under weight. This is all a bit daunting to me but.... Lost 4 lbs easily, over the last 2 months. Stopped losing. Now just trying to gain muscle rather than feeling spent with lower calories. I'd like to be at 105-108, more muscle/strength tho.
  • dkistner1111
    dkistner1111 Posts: 8 Member
    Interesting thread. I am 5ft and maintain at 127 (which makes me feel quite hefty compared to many on this thread) but allows me to maintain on about 1500 cals which doesn't feel I'm depriving myself, and I've maintained for 4 years.
    Clothes are too bad in the main but bra's are tricky - I'm a 32FF! Other thing is short legs - especially now I'm looking for winter running bottoms.

    I was glad to see your post after all the 5.1s and 5.2s who weigh a lot less than me. I am 63, 4'11", and started at the morbidly obese 208. I am now down to 121. My goal was 120 (smack in the middle of what the weight charts said was right for me), but when I went to see my doctor at 124, she told me I could lose five more pounds if I wanted to, but no more than that; that I was just fine at the weight I was.

    I can see, however, that I'll never be able to stop tracking. The margins are just too close. MFP tells me my weight-loss calorie amount is 1200 and my maintenance amount is 1270. I do try to exercise, but the operative word there is "try." I was walking about 3.5 miles four or five days a week, but it's getting so cold and yucky now that I don't want to do it. When I DO exercise, I find I'm a whole lot hungrier and have much more difficulty not going over my daily goal (even with the extra exercise calories added back in). I've got serious osteoporosis, so that's made me kind of afraid of trying some of the more vigorous activities some of you do.

    My plan for maintenance is to weigh every day. In the past, my pattern has been to steadily rock up and down within a 1-lb. range (on a steady downward trend, of course). So if I see I'm starting to deviate appreciably upward from that pattern, I'm not going to let it go more than a pound or two. The focus, always, is on health and good clean eating.
  • slimtastesbetter
    slimtastesbetter Posts: 8,432 Member
    Very interesting thread. Good to see as the posts went on that not all petites are under 120! I'm 5'3" and weigh roughly 135 lbs. A few years back I had gotten as low as 125 lbs but it wasn't sustainable. I'm not willing to reduce my calorie intake that much to get back under 130 plus I would probably end up losing some muscle mass. I think I look pretty good for a 55 year old. Would like to shed a few more lbs to get back down to around 132-133 and then work on maintaining that weight.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    Hi @dkistner1111, I am one of the lighter petites but, I am quite small boned, and need more muscle.
    A 120 weight range sounds great, and what an accomplishment! Congratulations on your loss.
    I like to have a 5 lb weight range to stay within.

    It is amazing to look at the different weights we are all happy at, since we are within 4-5 in in height, from 95-132.
    It really does come down to personal comfort factor.

    If you are limited in exercise, because of the osteoporosis, see if aqua fit is available in your area. It is a great workout combining resistance and cardio, and, because it is in water, very low impact. I am just a year younger than you and really enjoy it.

    My maintenance is sedentary 1200, aqua fit gives me 200 per session so x3 a week and I up my daily calories to 1300. If I move x5 a week, even if it isn't structured exercise, I can get 1400. Right now I am trying to push to 1450, slowly.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    @slimtastesbetter you look great in your avitar. If that is you in the 130's I would keep a range right there.
    Cheers, h.
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    edited November 2015
    Hi, Shorties! I'm 5'2.5" and 66 years old. Started at 179 lbs almost 2 years ago; weighing in at 127 lbs right now; medium frame. I'm currently wearing a US size 2/4 Petite. I figure 3.5 lbs or so to maintenance with a range between 124 -127 lbs. Losing only ounces now every other week or so. I began weight lifting quite early on with my weight loss and I believe that's what really transformed my shape. The body fat web sites put me at 25% but who knows.

    I'm exercising 3-5 times per week weight lifting with some cardio; eating anywhere from 1600 - to 1800 calories per day depending upon activity. When sedentary I'm in the 1200 - 1300 calorie range. I definitely have to keep up with the exercise to eat at 1600 to 1800 calories. Also going to have to log everyday. With my fitbit to calculate, I'm averaging around 12,000 steps per day (10,000 just isn't enough with my short legs).

    Petite clothing is hard to find! I seem to be short legged with a slightly longer torso so have to buy Petite sized pants and the Missy size small tops are also too big. Not complaining, mind you, since that's better than the US 14/16's I was wearing.

    I'm game for anyone who wants to "friend" to work on maintenance. I'm hoping I can keep up my activity and stay around 1700 - 1800 cals per day on maintenance.

    Regards,

    Trina
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    @trina1049, well done!

    If you, and the other recent posters, @slimtastesbetter, @dkistner1111, @klove808, etc, missed the links, @segacs started a petites maintenance group a few weeks ago.
    Here is the link:
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/109137-petites-in-maintenance


    Cheers, h.
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    @middlehaitch, thanks! Just signed on to the group.
  • LeslieB042812
    LeslieB042812 Posts: 1,799 Member
    @trina1049, well done!

    If you, and the other recent posters, @slimtastesbetter, @dkistner1111, @klove808, etc, missed the links, @segacs started a petites maintenance group a few weeks ago.
    Here is the link:
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/109137-petites-in-maintenance


    Cheers, h.

    @middlehaitch You beat me too it! I just clicked over to get the link to recommend that group. It's a great community of fun sized ladies. :smile:
  • erialcelyob
    erialcelyob Posts: 341 Member
    I'm 5"4 at 132lbs, aiming for 120lbs and consider myself to be quite small. I am still trying to lose weight and this is what seems harder is that you have to be much more dedicated to your diet to lose it, well in for everyone who has reached their goal!
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    @erialcelyob, too true a scale really is your best friend when petite. I watched fractions of a pound per week dropping off when I was losing.
    Patience and perseverance really are a virtue.

    @LeslieB042812 hee hee, that always happens to me I am such a slow typist, especially on my phone.
    FYI, after yesterday's All Pro I have a slight case of the DOMS so am procrastinating on MFP instead of moving to work them off :)

    Cheers, h.
  • klove808
    klove808 Posts: 346 Member
    @middlehaitch, hi and thank you. Joined :). Awesome.

  • lbaxandall
    lbaxandall Posts: 62 Member
    5'3, 120lbs, maintenance is 1700 but after a good workout, I'm usually eating more around 2000. Lowest was 110 (after a break up) and I felt HORRIBLE! Always cold, always tired, pale. It's so funny how everyone is different! Goes to show how what works for one person isn't necessarily best for someone else.
  • LeslieB042812
    LeslieB042812 Posts: 1,799 Member
    lbaxandall wrote: »
    5'3, 120lbs, maintenance is 1700 but after a good workout, I'm usually eating more around 2000. Lowest was 110 (after a break up) and I felt HORRIBLE! Always cold, always tired, pale. It's so funny how everyone is different! Goes to show how what works for one person isn't necessarily best for someone else.

    So true! It's also interesting how some people tend to gain under stress and some tend to lose....I'm a gainer! While I've always been jealous of losers, but your post made me realize that neither is healthy.
  • fkwan
    fkwan Posts: 28 Member
    I'm 60 years old, 5'0, currently at 97 pounds from 126. I have one pound to go to round out a 30 pound goal (maintenance range 96-100). I am hypothyroid and my BMR is only about 960. I've been using Fitbit for TDEE - 25% and average around 900-1000 calories. I have no idea what my actual maintenance TDEE will be, probably between 1200-1300. I am on a vegan 40-30-30 diet. I know I have to exercise every day for the rest of my life because my BMR is so low.

    I wear boys' (hoodies) and men's (T-shirts) clothes because they are higher quality and function than women's clothes, except for turtlenecks and elastic-waist "old lady" khakis from Landsend (I think they're available in Canada) which come with free hemming. I can't hem or sew to save my life. Also they are quicker to yank down due to endless rounds of urge incontinence. :) I think I can wear boys' size 14 or 16 pants.

    I wear a size medium Champion plain stretch sports bra in various flavors. Target has them, as does Amazon. I think they are available in Canada as well.

    I was in Target the other day and just for grins tried on a pair of size 2 women's skinny jeans. The legs were fine but the crotch was somewhere around my sternum and there was a horrible two inch gap around the butt into which you could place my iphone, because you sure as hell couldn't put it in any of the pockets.
  • swim777
    swim777 Posts: 599 Member
    5ft 2 / 46 yrs/ maintaining 133lbs for 2 years now (am slim/fit at this weight)
    I'm a UK size 8-10 depending on brand/retailer.

    I maintain on approx 2200 cals gross.

    I workout 5 days a week / run / walk/ lift / yoga.

    For me maintenance rocks :smile:

    This is exactly where I want to be!!! (Sigh!). So close but so far away! (9 lbs) how much time do you work out daily??? I can't wait to reach maintenance!
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    segacs wrote: »
    ilfaith wrote: »
    I wear a size 6 shoe (occasionally 5.5). Best thing about that is that it is usually the display size, so it's easy to try on shoes without waiting for a sales associate to go to the stock room. Of course the disadvantage is sometimes the display model is the only 6 in stock and might be stretched out or scuffed.

    Yep, walking around shoe stores trying on the sample sizes is the best part of being a size 6. Unfortunately more and more stores are using 7s as sample sizes now and no longer stocking 6s. *Sigh*
    ilfaith wrote: »
    And side some have mentioned bra size, I am a 30D...actually, I can wear a 28DD...but they are much harder to find. Even 30D is rare outside higher-end department stores and specialty shops. I can get away with some 32Cs in a pinch.

    Same here. Exactly the same size. 28DD or 28DDD/28E would fit, in theory, but doesn't exist anywhere in Montreal. My specialty bra shop where I buy bras starts at 30, and only carries D and above. I'm wearing 30D right now, and if I lose any more weight and go to 30C I won't be able to shop there anymore. The department stores only start at 32.

    Nobody told me that getting down to a healthy weight would be so frustrating. Bras were much easier to find when I was wearing 34s and 36s.

    Try finding a 32E -- and they cost a fortune, especially sports bras with underwire! I could probably use a 30E, but it's like trying to find a unicorn.
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    swim777 wrote: »
    5ft 2 / 46 yrs/ maintaining 133lbs for 2 years now (am slim/fit at this weight)
    I'm a UK size 8-10 depending on brand/retailer.

    I maintain on approx 2200 cals gross.

    I workout 5 days a week / run / walk/ lift / yoga.

    For me maintenance rocks :smile:

    This is exactly where I want to be!!! (Sigh!). So close but so far away! (9 lbs) how much time do you work out daily??? I can't wait to reach maintenance!

    I average 60-90 mins a day - I really enjoy working out though :smiley:
  • sla6ad
    sla6ad Posts: 2 Member
    5ft 2. 108lbs. Dress size Uk 6-8. Age 28. Ok now, but look and feel my best at 102-104lbs so looking to drop slightly. It's amazing how just a few lbs can make a massive difference! HW-128lbs

    I work for the NHS so I think it is important to be healthy, and lead by example - ( I find it amusing patients always say thank you with chocolates!!!)
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    trina1049 wrote: »
    segacs wrote: »
    ilfaith wrote: »
    I wear a size 6 shoe (occasionally 5.5). Best thing about that is that it is usually the display size, so it's easy to try on shoes without waiting for a sales associate to go to the stock room. Of course the disadvantage is sometimes the display model is the only 6 in stock and might be stretched out or scuffed.

    Yep, walking around shoe stores trying on the sample sizes is the best part of being a size 6. Unfortunately more and more stores are using 7s as sample sizes now and no longer stocking 6s. *Sigh*
    ilfaith wrote: »
    And side some have mentioned bra size, I am a 30D...actually, I can wear a 28DD...but they are much harder to find. Even 30D is rare outside higher-end department stores and specialty shops. I can get away with some 32Cs in a pinch.

    Same here. Exactly the same size. 28DD or 28DDD/28E would fit, in theory, but doesn't exist anywhere in Montreal. My specialty bra shop where I buy bras starts at 30, and only carries D and above. I'm wearing 30D right now, and if I lose any more weight and go to 30C I won't be able to shop there anymore. The department stores only start at 32.

    Nobody told me that getting down to a healthy weight would be so frustrating. Bras were much easier to find when I was wearing 34s and 36s.

    Try finding a 32E -- and they cost a fortune, especially sports bras with underwire! I could probably use a 30E, but it's like trying to find a unicorn.

    Try Freya - I wear a 28F depending on time of the month and Freya carries lots of options for me (and even more in 30 and 32 bands!)
  • pobalita
    pobalita Posts: 741 Member
    edited January 2016
    5'3" - generally around 118 to 120 pounds (lost 80 pounds six years ago and have kept it off since then). I've run long distance for 4 years now, so I maintain just fine at 2,000 to 2,300 calories (even 3,000 calories on long run days). If weight creeps up by even a few pounds, I immediately reduce to 1,500 to 1,600 calories to lose it. If I'm not running or working out I maintain at about 1,800 calories.
  • amyk0202
    amyk0202 Posts: 666 Member
    I'm 5' 2.5" & maintained for a couple years at 150. I re-gained last year, so I'm working my way back there. I was eating between 1400-1500 calories a day, with 1430 as my goal (I think that was the # MFP gave me). I'm set at sedentary so that any exercise I do is a bonus & I don't overeat if I don't exercise. I generally don't exercise. I just don't like it. My goal this year is to start strength training. I'm using my Christmas $$ & ordering a power rack, bench, & weights to set up at home to do SL 5x5. I just can never get over my gym anxiety.

    I've set my goal to get back to 150. I was happy there. Sometimes I think about dropping to 140 because then I'd be in the "normal" bmi range. For the most part though, I'm more concerned with how I feel about myself than my bmi. I was 90-95 all through high school (eating like a horse, too) & when I look at pictures, I can see all my bones--even in my upper chest. I can't imagine going back down into the low 100's again. It would not be a great look for me, especially at my age. I don't buy petite clothes. My legs are long for my height, so regular length works just right generally. My torso is short, but my chest is large so I need the extra length in my shirts as well.

    If you are looking for a small band bra, you should try Ewa Michalak: http://www.ewa-michalak.pl/ . She's a Polish bra maker & has a huge size range. I only wear her bras now. I can get modesty padding in my size, the girls have never been lifted up like they are now--I look much thinner, & she has different sizes & ages for models so I can get an idea of what the bra will look like on someone like me. It does take about a month to get them in the US though.
  • segacs
    segacs Posts: 4,599 Member
    Just bumping up this link in case any petites in maintenance missed it: We have a pretty active group going in the groups area. Feel free to join us!

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/109137-petites-in-maintenance
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    edited January 2016
    peleroja wrote: »
    trina1049 wrote: »
    segacs wrote: »
    ilfaith wrote: »
    I wear a size 6 shoe (occasionally 5.5). Best thing about that is that it is usually the display size, so it's easy to try on shoes without waiting for a sales associate to go to the stock room. Of course the disadvantage is sometimes the display model is the only 6 in stock and might be stretched out or scuffed.

    Yep, walking around shoe stores trying on the sample sizes is the best part of being a size 6. Unfortunately more and more stores are using 7s as sample sizes now and no longer stocking 6s. *Sigh*
    ilfaith wrote: »
    And side some have mentioned bra size, I am a 30D...actually, I can wear a 28DD...but they are much harder to find. Even 30D is rare outside higher-end department stores and specialty shops. I can get away with some 32Cs in a pinch.

    Same here. Exactly the same size. 28DD or 28DDD/28E would fit, in theory, but doesn't exist anywhere in Montreal. My specialty bra shop where I buy bras starts at 30, and only carries D and above. I'm wearing 30D right now, and if I lose any more weight and go to 30C I won't be able to shop there anymore. The department stores only start at 32.

    Nobody told me that getting down to a healthy weight would be so frustrating. Bras were much easier to find when I was wearing 34s and 36s.

    Try finding a 32E -- and they cost a fortune, especially sports bras with underwire! I could probably use a 30E, but it's like trying to find a unicorn.

    Try Freya - I wear a 28F depending on time of the month and Freya carries lots of options for me (and even more in 30 and 32 bands!)

    Thanks, @peleroja. I actually own a Freya, great bras! I wish the UK sizes were readily available here in stores in the USA so that I didn't have to order online.
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