If your goal weight was 120 lbs, what would your +/- be?

LiveOnceBeHappy

I'm not trying to be obsessive, but if my goal is 120 lbs, how much latitude do you give yourself? Is 118 lbs at goal? Is 122 lbs at goal? Where would the limits be if this were you? Thanks!

tuckahoe88

For 120 pounds, I would consider both 118 and 122 to be "at goal". I weigh a bit more than you and give myself a window: If I am somewhere between 124-129, I'm content. I've weighed myself every day and log for averages in Libra, so I don't sweat *exact* numbers. Have maintained this way for many years. Hope that helps!

SuzySunshine99

There are so many variables that factor into your scale weight at any given time that you have to have a goal range, instead of an exact number.

The size of that range is kind of personal. Some women, especially, have more dramatic hormone-related swings every month.

For me, personally, I have a typical range of 125-130. If I'm a little outside of that range, I don't sweat it unless I'm finding I'm above/below my range for a considerable amount of time. Then, I might tweak a few things to get back into my preferred range.

AnnPT77

Do you weigh daily? How big are your routine daily fluctuations in weight, from one day to the next, typically? I'm talking about weigh-ins under as standardized as possible conditions, like first thing in the morning, in the same state of (un)dress, after the bathroom, before food/drink. If you're female, adult, not in menopause yet, look at that question over a whole monthly cycle.

I'd suggest setting your upper and lower limits - if you want to use limits like that - at plus and minus just a bit more than your routine fluctuations. For example, if you often see 2 pounds up or down from day to day or over a menstrual cycle, set your range at 117 to 123. Then, if you go over/under for more than a day or two, adjust your habits in the needed direction. (I wouldn't do it based on one day, because sometimes one day is Just Weird. Use longer patterns.)

Truth in advertising: I'm sloppier than that, especially now (year 7 of maintaining). I tend to gain a little in Fall, lose a little in Spring, and have peaks after holidays or vacations, and that doesn't really bother me. If my same-size jeans fit comfortably, I'm not freaking out, though I do make it a bit of a point to adjust before I get there. I started out with a goal of 120 pounds (at 5'5"), and a view to handle the range as suggested above. Later, I decided 125 was going to work better for me, plus the more relaxed approach I'm describing in this paragraph. Right now, since it's fall, I'm up a few pounds. Meh.

Exactly what to do is very individual: Your preferences, personality, strengths, challenges, etc. - those all matter. It may make sense to start on the stricter end (as long as that doesn't make you over-anxious), and maybe relax later as you gain confidence.

You will figure it out. Trust yourself.

GloriaBJN

Just for myself, once I've hit my goal weight, I won't worry about my weight. I'll gauge my calorie intake on whether or not I'm outgrowing the clothes that fit my range.

walkintofit

I do a 5 lb range: 117-123. There is a lot of fluctuation with water weight!

spiriteagle99

I also try to stay within a 5 lb. range of 120-125. Since I'm post menopausal, it is a bit easier than it would have been when I was younger. Like Ann, I don't worry if I gain a few pounds on vacation since it usually comes off again pretty quickly.

kaydensmom2009

My goal is 115lbs and I give myself 3lbs in either direction, so my range is 112-118lbs. After my period I’m on the lower end and leading up to it I’m on the higher end.

nxd10

I think that’s an empirical question. When I was young I bounced around five pounds a day. Now I’m pretty stable plus or minus 2. I weigh daily and that gives me a sense of my bounce.

Tenshi187

+/- 3 lbs.

westrich20940

How much your own weight fluctuates (throughout the month if you are a person who menstruates) will depend on YOU.

I don't really consider anything inside +/- 5lbs as anything significant as far as gain/loss bc I routinely can fluctuate that much on a scale. That's me though, you might be different or have other factors that affect your weight on a scale.

sbelletti

+/- 5lbs. I weigh daily, but I also go by how my clothes fit. Plus, if you are weight training, you could gain a few pounds of muscle but lose fat and be the same size or smaller.

Evamutt

I give myself a 7 lb range

csplatt

5 lb up is fine for me

recover808

If you weigh yourself often/daily just take the weekly average if not 2 lbs either way for 120 lbs should be considered goal wt