5 foot 1 I Lost 42 pounds... and still obese.

smalls9686

I know right!

smalls9686

I've seen your pics...you're not obese :huh: and you've made tremendous progress!!!:drinker:
BMI - shmee em eye....pfft :laugh: :laugh:

Aw, thanks! *blushing*

redraidergirl2009

you keep losing weight

smalls9686

5'0" here. I completely understand your pain. I'm down 47 pounds now and I still have 20 pounds or better to go to get solidly into the "normal" BMI range. Look at your body, look at your happiness, look at your health, and look at your plan. If all of these are looking good or at least better than they were to you (and you alone), enjoy your accomplishment ! It is a great accomplishment to lose that amount of weight! You are doing great. Always remember that the scales don't tell you what you body fat and muscle masses are. The BMI scale is only a reference. The Dr will even tell you that a very muscular person will be way over on that scale too. Just keep going until you are healthy and happy. Don't listen to what the family or friends say ( I hear the same from my mother who is 5'0" as well only 54 years old and has high blood pressure, diabetes, and all sorts of health issues related to her weight). YOU have to be happy not them. They are responsible for their own happiness. Just keep going girl. You got this !

You're awesome! Congrats on your weight lost! According to the doc my body fat is down about 7% which doesn't seem like a lot to me...but they use wone of those hand held machines (the ones you grip and it takes an electirc reading) anyone know about how accurate they are? (Seems like with 42 pounds lost like 20% of my body lost that my body fat loss should be higher. I know I am not lifting heavy but I an running and upping my protein so seems I should be gaining a little more muscle and losing a little more than 7% body fat?)

But in the last few days I have had 3 people tell me "Don't losse any more!" I am not skinny it's the weirdest thing. What do you say to that?

smalls9686

So, whatever makes my body feel energetic and makes me smile when I look in the mirror at my reflection, is the "normal" I'm going to go by! You have come so far, don't let "neigh-sayers" spoil your moment of glory, you've worked hard and you should be proud...after all, isn't your approval the only one that truly matters? Just a thought... ~Lucretia

Thanks, I knkow I can only please me...I just don't knw what that is yet =-)

thanks again!

smalls9686

Thanks, for the positive words and support! You totally rocked it out on that post!

I am 5' 0" and I weigh 175

I don't even look fat, and people have told me that I have a pretty body

Yet I'm obese

It's really easy to be obese if you're short, and it's a lot of bull, but DON'T let that doctor get you down!!!

42 lbs is A LOT, and yeah, maybe it's not quite enough yet, but it's awesome!!!

Besides, you're well on you're way to a healthy weight, and your doctor should've recognized that.

So who cares, as long as you look good(:

I've got 65 lbs to lose, so hopefully, by the end of it, I'll look super awesome, and even better than I do now!!!

And the same goes for you!!!

smarionette

I'm also short. I've resigned myself to always being obese. I'm pretty sure my skeleton weights 135lbs

However when I look at what I can do? I'm pretty proud of that skeleton and everything that holds it up and propels it.

smalls9686

Thanks, and congrats to you on your awesome weightloss!

smalls9686

Thanks so much for your post, you hit on like everything I mentioned =-D. I think you are most liely right I think my Doc wasn't trying to be a jerk, but was just tactless...he himsel was SEVERELY obesese at one time and I he has said I havedone very well has never complained about anything I have done, never scolded me I have always come in and done exactly what I was supposed to do and then some. ( I am a good little student!)

As far as others, I think some people remember me before and I was VERY SMALL I was very muscular but very thin I was a zero and 112 pound solid muscle witha 8 pack so they very well may remember that (at work where they called me "bobble head/crackhead" as a Black woman they most def did not find that attractive so they very well may be "overreacting to my weightloss because of fear of that. excellent point I hadn't thought off.

Thanks!

No matter where you fall on that chart, realize that you're healthier now than you were 42 pounds ago. It's not just the weight lost (although that's part of it), it's the activity you've taken to get there: better food choices, moderating your calories, getting more active, etc. I think the dr may just be trying to encourage you by saying you're on the right track and you can get there, but he's pretty tactless about it. Don't let his poor people skills today rain on your parade.

As far as those you say you've lost enough, don't get to thin, etc …. Ignore them. There's a lot of posts about this, and I believe that we have been so accustomed to seeing overweight people that normal doesn't look normal any more. The other possibility is that they just aren't used to seeing YOU this way, and are genuinely concerned but lack perspective. (Okay, there could be some jealous people in there too). If you are content where you are, that's fine, and you can stay there. But if you want to lose more weight, then keep up the hard work, and enjoy the way you look and feel along the way as well as when you get there!

aliciaaw

I'm also 5'1, I have only lost 15 pounds still have about 40 more to go. I'm alot older than you I'm 57 and find it hard to still with it and exercise. So do feel bad. In my book you're doing great.

ambickford

I'm 5'4 and lost over 100 in 2009-2010. No matter what I can't get out of the 152 range...the highest I should be is 151 for a "healthy" weight. I know it's not the same but I've been trying to get out of the 150's for THREE YEARS! It's still not enough, and I'm still overweight. I'm lifting heavy weights, so I know it plays a part, but it's still frustrating seeing the "overweight" or "obese" sign when you've clearly busted your booty to get where you're at.

holagatita

Yep. Im 5"3ish and lost about 48lbs and still fall in that category. I have to be 115-136lbs to be "normal" my goal is actually 144 so I may never be "normal" =/

smalls9686

BMI and weight

Was he basing it off of BMI or Body Fat %?

BL_Coleman

I know this may sound like a pity party, so give the disclaimer right now! =-) I went to the doctor earlier this week for my monthly check up and was disappointed, ok crushed when I was told that I was doing such a great job if I keep up the good work then by the next visit I would “surely be out of the obese category.” I have lost 42 pounds and i am 5 foot 1 (in about 4 months) and I have worked my butt of literally no quick fixes, no crazy fad diets, or medical procedures. I have worked hard the good old fashion way by: watching my food intake, increasing my exercise/overall activity level, and really trying to focus on adopting this idea of a lifestyle change. My brain was just beginning to finally recognize in the mirror that changes were really taking place, I was feeling less winded going up stairs, and even feeling kind of cute when going shopping. But when he told me that my now comfortable size 10 body wasn’t even good enough to be NOT obese it really crushed me. Has anyone else experienced anything similar? How about mixed messages as I know I have plenty more to go but am already warned about “losing too much” by loved ones and friends. How do you handle feelings of disappointment around these issues?

Oh yeah I feel your pain.....

I am 5 1 and 1/2 ...don't forget the 1/2!...i have lost 15lbs since Nov...but I am still overweight!!! I am 141lbs and size 6/8 but according to the stupid thing on my phone I need to be 114lbs to be my ideal weight....Since my personal ideal is 125..this was exceedingly depressing.....I just want to be in the healthy category....and a size 4...how is that not ideal????? So yes, we all have those moments, minutes and hours....

I can now shop and dress and feel cute ...but still have a long way to go to be healthy...according to the darn scale..about 5-8 lbs and so much more to be my "ideal"...ugh...getting annoyed just thinking of it.

smalls9686

First congrats on your 85 pounds weight loss. Second, I care...if I didn't I would not have written this post. I agree and I am proud but I still don't want to be obese.

Who cares if you're classified as "Obese" when you look fine. Accept that you lost those 42 pounds and be proud of yourself cause that is an achievement that is very hard to accomplish.

smalls9686

LOL! Hey ya! I imspire you? Aw, I had no idea!!! I really appreciate it! Girl, I totally just drank water for 30 seconds straight a good 10-11oz! =-P

Girl, you are doing an amazing job!!! Don't get upset or depressed (and I do know that it is easier said then done), stand back and look at where you started 4 months ago, and where you are now... Absolutely amazing A-FREAKIN-MAZING... You have become my inspiration for more water and to get up and move no matter what.

OBTW....


WATER BOMB!

xxhieixx

I'm also 5'1 and currently weigh 155, I started at 175. I'm still classified as "obese" and by the sounds of it I think you weigh less then me! I'm not in the size 10 yet, I'm almost there...of course that might be because of my breasts lol. I have definitely felt better about my body, I don't care if I'm still in the "obese". I've been dieting and working out like crazy and I've seen the results, I'll eventually get there. The important thing is that your working to get there and that you feel good and more healthy. I've actually been struck around 153-156 for about 2 months now but I don't let it discourage me. I'm doing this to be more healthy and to feel better.
Also, losing 41 pounds in 4 months is GREAT!!! I wish I could do that. You're really doing an awesome job

dichrodiva

All us shorties have the same problem. I'm 5'2" and am in the 155 to 160 range on any given day. Started losing after I attained a weight of 210. To be "normal" under government and insurance standards ( and these were established in the 50s for insurance purposes) I'd have to get to 110. At 59, this is not realistic. My goal is 140 and I don't know if I will get there and right now I feel pretty good at 160.This is still just under the government standard of obese and still overweight. I feel pretty good and am very active.

So losing 42 lbs. and still trying is fantastic. Everyone is different and a lot has to do with family body type. Just look around and see how many different shapes of people there are.

You are doing this for yourself and don't let anyone talk you out of it. Opinions are like a**holes, everyone has one. Doesn't mean they are correct.

smalls9686

141 and size 6/8 congrats girly! Now, may I ask why oh why is size 4 your "it" place to be? Were you there before and just felt better? Who said your ideal weight is 114? Even my "jerky" doctor said he'd be ideally happy if I stayed under 140 anything under that is 100% up to me.

Weight is so much irrational, illogical...so little of it is actually about what REALLY is healthy and so much is tied into culturally what we "think: is appropriate, normal, or acceptable. I know I am one to talk as the author of the original post. But I guess I can point it out in others much easier than self =-( It's just so said the women (especially) seem to have so much external and internal pressure on this perceived standards of beauty...not healthy.
Just sad.

[/quote]
Oh yeah I feel your pain.....

I am 5 1 and 1/2 ...don't forget the 1/2!...i have lost 15lbs since Nov...but I am still overweight!!! I am 141lbs and size 6/8 but according to the stupid thing on my phone I need to be 114lbs to be my ideal weight....Since my personal ideal is 125..this was exceedingly depressing.....I just want to be in the healthy category....and a size 4...how is that not ideal????? So yes, we all have those moments, minutes and hours....

I can now shop and dress and feel cute ...but still have a long way to go to be healthy...according to the darn scale..about 5-8 lbs and so much more to be my "ideal"...ugh...getting annoyed just thinking of it.
[/quote]

NoeHead

Hi! i honestly think going by body fat percentage might be better. I'm 5'1" and also lost 42 lbs . YOu look great, if you feel healthy and fit i really believe that's all that matters!

lexoxoc

Hey girl! I have had the same thing happen to me by two of my doctors (my gyno and my regular doctor). I'm 4'11" and I weighed 160 pounds when I first began losing weight a little over two years ago. When I first started I hadn't been to the doctor in about a year (because of being away for college), so I really just started for myself. I met my goal weight of 140 (lost 20 lbs. in 5 months) and was comfortable staying at that weight until 6 months later when I went to the doctor for the first time in 2 years and they told me I was still considered "obese" according to my BMI and I need to lose another 20lbs. It really threw me for a loop because everyone around me said I looked great and I had asked the people closest to me if they thought I should lose more even before I went to the doctor and they all said "no, you look healthy". So, under doctors orders this time around I lost 17 pounds (which now took me 8 months to lose because my heart really wasn't in it for the right reasons). Around this time, I went to the gyno and heard the same thing, but this time my gyno told me that "to be safe you need to weight between 105-115lbs...honestly I can't imagine being that small ever...and I frankly I don't want to lose my boobs and my butt. After that appointment I had some health problems and completely gave up on losing, I tried maintaining but I really had a "I don't care" attitude between my health problems, grad school, and working. So, in July I decided to restart my losing again because I gained 10 lbs back and was super pissed at myself and came to the conclusion that 120 is a comfortable weight for me to live at, FOR ME, not for my doctors. So, that's where I'm at right now. Having professionals tell me these things was very counterproductive because I felt better in my health and my body than ever before, but I realized that they were just doing their jobs and it's really up to me in the end, what I want to do. Don't let it discourage you! Do what you need for yourself and for your health! Best of luck! (Feel free to add me if you like!)

csheltra26

girl you have lost 42 pounds - congrats!!
Those damn BMI charts are not accurate. I wouldn't focus on that. Athletes are considered "obese" because of their weight but they have less than 10% body fat - the BMI doesn't take that into consideration. You are healthier and you have lost a TON of weight. Good for you!!!

IamUndrCnstruction

I am not a petite person at 5'9" but I can so relate. Right now I am 209, I have lost around 30 pounds (some before starting MFP). According to the BMI charts, I am still obese, and this is stopping me from being able to be listed for an organ transplant. My body fat% is 30% which, while not where I would like it to be is considered normal and healthy for my age (40). I don't understand how Doctors, who should know better, still use this chart to determine an individuals level of fitness.

Regardless, you have lost 42 freakin pounds!!! You have made awesome positive changes in your life and should be epically proud of your self :drinker: Keep doing what you are doing!!!!!

WildlyCurly

I am 5'1 too. I am 238 and if I were to lose 42 pounds I'd still be obese. Damn, even if I were lose 100 POUNDS I'd still be overweight.

But I am not going to let BMI get me down. I know after every pound I were to lose I would look and feel even better than before. BMI does not tell the entire story, so don't let it get you down. You have lost 42 pounds and you should be very proud.

smn76237

You guys all may feel better with this article I just saw today:

"For nearly 1 in 5 Americans, BMI may tell the wrong story"
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-obesity-predicting-health-20130822,0,7737880.story

BMI is an adequate measure of populations, but when it comes to individuals, body fat % is a much better measure.

smalls9686

First, thanks so much for sharing...it really helped. Its almost as if I saw the next year of my life fast forwarded if I don't "get a grip" right now! What you first described is VERY similar to what I am going through right now. I am getting positive feedback out the wazoo from my friends, family, and co-workers and what you described when going to the doctor was me to a T! Thanks you so much for sharing!

Second, congrats on your weight loss and finding a weight YOU are happy with, you look amazing!

Hey girl! I have had the same thing happen to me by two of my doctors (my gyno and my regular doctor). I'm 4'11" and I weighed 160 pounds when I first began losing weight a little over two years ago. When I first started I hadn't been to the doctor in about a year (because of being away for college), so I really just started for myself. I met my goal weight of 140 (lost 20 lbs. in 5 months) and was comfortable staying at that weight until 6 months later when I went to the doctor for the first time in 2 years and they told me I was still considered "obese" according to my BMI and I need to lose another 20lbs. It really threw me for a loop because everyone around me said I looked great and I had asked the people closest to me if they thought I should lose more even before I went to the doctor and they all said "no, you look healthy". So, under doctors orders this time around I lost 17 pounds (which now took me 8 months to lose because my heart really wasn't in it for the right reasons). Around this time, I went to the gyno and heard the same thing, but this time my gyno told me that "to be safe you need to weight between 105-115lbs...honestly I can't imagine being that small ever...and I frankly I don't want to lose my boobs and my butt. After that appointment I had some health problems and completely gave up on losing, I tried maintaining but I really had a "I don't care" attitude between my health problems, grad school, and working. So, in July I decided to restart my losing again because I gained 10 lbs back and was super pissed at myself and came to the conclusion that 120 is a comfortable weight for me to live at, FOR ME, not for my doctors. So, that's where I'm at right now. Having professionals tell me these things was very counterproductive because I felt better in my health and my body than ever before, but I realized that they were just doing their jobs and it's really up to me in the end, what I want to do. Don't let it discourage you! Do what you need for yourself and for your health! Best of luck! (Feel free to add me if you like!)

MistyEE

I know this may sound like a pity party, so give the disclaimer right now! =-) I went to the doctor earlier this week for my monthly check up and was disappointed, ok crushed when I was told that I was doing such a great job if I keep up the good work then by the next visit I would “surely be out of the obese category.” I have lost 42 pounds and i am 5 foot 1 (in about 4 months) and I have worked my butt of literally no quick fixes, no crazy fad diets, or medical procedures. I have worked hard the good old fashion way by: watching my food intake, increasing my exercise/overall activity level, and really trying to focus on adopting this idea of a lifestyle change. My brain was just beginning to finally recognize in the mirror that changes were really taking place, I was feeling less winded going up stairs, and even feeling kind of cute when going shopping. But when he told me that my now comfortable size 10 body wasn’t even good enough to be NOT obese it really crushed me. Has anyone else experienced anything similar? How about mixed messages as I know I have plenty more to go but am already warned about “losing too much” by loved ones and friends. How do you handle feelings of disappointment around these issues?

I know you may feel crushed, I am 5'4" and know how hard it is to not see the changes we expect, after focusing so much. The good news is...you are soooo much closer than you were! Maybe it is time to re-evaluate where you want end up. Or maybe better health will be something you will continue to strive for, even when weight loss is not the primary goal.

The work you have done is AMAZING! Relish in that! Own that!

zedgt87

just keep going! no reason to be crushed you just haven't hit your goals yet.

jennz81

I'm overweight too according to BMI. My dr used to pull out a little chart and show me where I was on the BMI scale at every visit. I am 5'2 and I am not counting on ever being in the normal category. It's all about body fat for me.

I want your "overweight" body! You look fabulous! I hate the BMI scale. It's just stupid, and it was never ever meant to be applied to individual people. People who apply it to individuals don't know what population demographics are for...populations not individuals.

I get irritated when I hear people go on about BMI's. It was never meant for individual people.

angelique_redhead

42 pounds in 4 months is 10.5 pounds a month or 2.6 pounds a week. MOST doctors don't recommend losing over 2 pounds a week. It sounds like your doctor is a total jerk! My doctor would be doing the Snoopy happy dance if I lost that much weight in 4 months. As it is he's been very, very happy that I'm losing. I've lost 53.6 pound since September 20,2012. So 53.6 pounds in 11 months or approximately 1.2 pounds per week. I'm 5'4", diabetic, low thyroid, and still obese according to the BMI chart. I'm attempting to get down to 110. Keep doing what you're doing! You rock! Keep on doing what you're doing. I'd be telling your doctor where to stuff his charts. *HUGS*