Is 115 pounds a good goal weight for a 5’4” female?

Daniellednm

I currently weight 273 pounds. My goal weight is 115 lbs. I chose this goal weight because when I used to weigh 145 pounds years ago, and I still had a stomach. I want a flat stomach and I want to be able to fit in small outfits. I plan on getting gastric sleeve next year. I will also work out and eat healthy.

AnnPT77

Retroguy2000 wrote: »

For now, just walking more is going to be great for you.

IMO, it would be better to have interim goals. You didn't gain that weight in one year, and you probably won't lose it in one year. You can however be proud of progress along the way, and take a couple of diet breaks to mentally and physically recharge.

For example in this chart, you might say you're represented in one pic here, and you plan to reach the image in a different pic. But you only get there by passing the other pics in between.

Not likely to get the looks in those specific photos below mid 20s percents without strength work, though. I agree it's OK, though probably not optimal, not to start strength exercise immediately. You're right, walking, if feasible, is a good start.

You (Retro) know this, but not everyone does: Weight and belly fat levels don't necessarily decline in lockstep. I think the leanest, flattest midsection I've ever seen on a woman here was someone my height, 5'5", who weighed somewhere in the 150s pounds. That's an overweight BMI, and 20 or more pounds above a weight where I'd still have more belly fat than I'd like, but she had truly minimal fat.

cmriverside

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

^Calculate your Body Mass Index which will give you a healthy weight. Your 115 pounds will put you at low middle of the range.

I'd say just start. Setting a goal is good, but you may find it to be right or wrong as you get closer. Either way, you've got a ways to go. :flowerforyou: For instance, I'm happiest at about 21 BMI.

Also, a flat stomach for a grown woman might be a little ambitious...maybe take a look at this...

Here, great thread: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10689837/does-this-uterus-make-my-stomach-look-fat/p1

AnnPT77

Just to be sure you know this detail: The goal weight setting in MFP has zero effect on your calorie goal. The weight loss process is the same, no matter the goal.

In MFP, setting it to any value works, and you can reset it as many times as you want along the way. MFP just uses it for progress messages.

Goal weight only matters when you decide to stop losing, and switch to maintenance calories.

Personally, I found it easier to figure out a reasonable goal weight as I got close to a good weight for me.

Also, many people here have said that a weight that looked good when they were younger wasn't right at all years later. The right weight can be higher or lower now than it was then.

One person's experience doesn't necessarily shed light on another's, but I'm 5'5", and hit around 116 when I overshot goal weight as I was trying to dial in maintenance calories after losing from class 1 obese at age 59-60. That was too thin for me - some parts looked too skeletal. I'm best off in the 120s. There, I have about the flattest stomach my genetics will permit, not too mention good health (which to me is more important anyway). But people differ.

If you want the best appearance at goal weight - whatever goal weight turns out to be - avoid losing weight super fast, exercise (especially including strength exercise, optimally weight lifting), and get good overall nutrition (especially ample protein). Those strategies are likely to give the best appearance results, including stomach.

Best wishes!

Retroguy2000

For now, just walking more is going to be great for you.

IMO, it would be better to have interim goals. You didn't gain that weight in one year, and you probably won't lose it in one year. You can however be proud of progress along the way, and take a couple of diet breaks to mentally and physically recharge.

For example in this chart, you might say you're represented in one pic here, and you plan to reach the image in a different pic. But you only get there by passing the other pics in between.