Is it possible to look bigger from gaining muscle...or is it probably fat

Blondieee00
Blondieee00 Posts: 29 Member
edited December 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I am super confused. I am 10 lbs more than I would like to be...however, still wear the same sizes as I did when I was 10 lbs lighter this past year. I have had people tell me I look visibly bigger ( and different). However, I am wondering if gaining muscle makes such a difference in appearance that people would comment? And if so, is that a good thing? I do lift a lot of weights.. I do pull ups and dips which is almost unheard of for a girl..I also run marathons.. I have a hard time believing I have gotten fat, but also have never been the muscly type... Any ideas what could be making me look different but keeping me in the same clothing size? Will listen to all opinions!


Stats:

5'9"-5'10"
weight : Upper 130s
Size 2 jeans
size small tops
bf- measured around 18%
34 inch chest and 35 inch hips.

Replies

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,053 Member
    Given your stats, I would disregard the comments of anyone who says you look bigger. Are they catty about other women?
  • Blondieee00
    Blondieee00 Posts: 29 Member
    Mostly catty people yes
  • ajnb88
    ajnb88 Posts: 339 Member
    18% bf is pretty low for a woman. Ignore them, you're losing fat and gaining muscle and will only improve as you go forward. :)
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    The most important opinion is your own - what do you think when you look in the mirror?

    Have you been tracking progress with a tape measure or pictures?
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Actually, it's pretty common to get leaner with smaller measurements and look bigger, because your muscle is more visible. Double that impact when someone sees a little bit of muscle one a women. As long as you like how you look then don't worry.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,053 Member
    Blondieee00 wrote: »
    Mostly catty people yes

    Well there you go.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,053 Member
    sijomial wrote: »
    The most important opinion is your own - what do you think when you look in the mirror?

    Have you been tracking progress with a tape measure or pictures?
    rybo wrote: »
    Actually, it's pretty common to get leaner with smaller measurements and look bigger, because your muscle is more visible. Double that impact when someone sees a little bit of muscle one a women. As long as you like how you look then don't worry.

    I thought my biceps looked bigger but they are actually more than 1.25" smaller than when I first measured them July 2015.

    @Blondieee00 - take measurements.
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