Do I look too thin now?

ehimass

Hi,

A lot of people in my family are telling me that I've taken things too far and that I need to stop losing weight. My mom is a doctor and even she has been telling me this, she's the one that wanted me to start losing weight in the first place. My sister says the same thing. I'm currently 167 pounds as a 6'0"(183cm) 30 y/o male.

The problem is I had my body fat measured by a DEXA machine at the beggining of October at 175 lbs and it registered 15%. So I made a goal for myself to get to 155 pounds and 10% body fat by the end of the year. My stomach still does not look flat (it looks kind of like a floppy/droopy pancake) and I feel like there are still significant fat deposits around my midsection. In fact, the dexa scan said I had 14 lbs of fat on my "trunk" alone, which I take to mean midsection. There was also 10 lbs of fat on my legs and 2 lbs on my arms.

I have been lifting weights during most of my weight loss, an 8-12 rep routine with barbells going as heavy as possible. I'm also trying to keep my protein intake over 100 grams per day to minimize muscle loss.

Anyway, I just wanted to get some honest opinions. I think I still need to cut down to 155, see what I look like, then probably work on adding 10-15 lbs of muscle mass next year. I truly do feel like that if I've come this far, why not put in the effort to burn off that last little bit and see what happens? But like I said, I'm meeting a lot of resistance from the people around me, and it is resulting in efforts by them to sabotage my diet to a degree (I can do a great job of that on my own, certainly don't need their help!)..

Do not open these links if you're offended by shirtless pasty people. In some ways I think I looked better shirtless when I was still 230+, and like I said, I know muscle building needs to be the priority next year, but I think the last bit of fat has to go first.

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae219/randomperson8008/ugly4.jpg
http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae219/randomperson8008/ugly5.jpg

x311Tifa

I'm no expert, but that "floppy pancake" looks more like extra skin from the weightloss than fat. I am interested what others' opinions on MFP will be.

Congrats on your significant loss, though!!! Over 100lbs is awesome!

Ideabaker

You don't look too thin to me, but you also don't look like you need to be dieting to lose any more overall weight. Your "fat" seems to be in a localised area in the front of your tummy (if it is fat; it might just be skin). Perhaps you should talk with a trainer to start focusing on toning your midsection.

With a good fitness programme of cardio along with weights in the gym, you should have good results burning up any remaining fat stores whilst building muscle; but you probably won't want a huge deficit to achieve a balanced look (just my opinion, but your arms and chest look great, and could look scrawny if you lost more weight). There are lots of lifters here who can help you with that, but a trainer can create a programme specific to your needs in person.

Hey, just my opinion. Well done on losing the weight. You look fine to me!

eryquem

I would agree on the extra skin point. 123 lbs is a lot of weight to lose, and I think the reality is, it's going to be a slow road to get your body to transform to what you'd like it to be.

I would recommend spending some time not worrying so much about weight or BF%, but rather focus on fitness accomplishments. In addition to setting new goals for your lifting, maybe try some form of high-intensity cardio like sprinting or jumprope or something. Go all out until you've got nothing left, and then focus on improving your performance next time.

If you keep at it, the increased level of physical performance will ultimately show up in the mirror.

And for the record, you should already be proud of what you've accomplished. Losing 123 lbs is no small thing.

rosieknowsme

That pancake you speak of is excess skin, the only way you can get rid of that is time (the skin will start to retreat) or surgery. In terms of fat, 15% is a perfectly acceptable amount of fat to have on your body, in fact it is below the norm. You do not look like you need to lose any more weight, I can see your ribs - if you can see your ribs you need to stop really! Get yourself some firming cream for the skin, or start saving for a tuck.

nikilis

mellyish

I say start increasing your lifting now, a lot of people I see that lift weights, over time, can firm up the excess skin.

DopeItUp

I'm sorta in the same boat. I've lost almost 100lbs and am around 15% body fat now. That pouch is basically some saggy skin filled with fat that is dragging it down. Annoying, isn't it? I'm starting my bulk once I lose 3 more pounds since I have come to the realization that I don't have enough lean body mass to look good once my body fat gets low. A few bulk/cut cycles and I expect to be closer to my desired appearance (and strength, which is one of my primary goals). I think you're in the same boat but a little worse off than me (I'm currently 199lbs at ~15% body fat, I think you probably are quite a bit smaller than me in general which seems to accentuate the problem).

If you decide to keep cutting instead I don't see a problem. 15% body fat is not low or unhealthy for a male. My ultimate goal is 10% and I'm guessing yours is probably in the same ballpark. Healthy body fat range for a male is approximately 8-20%. Point your loved ones to research that indicates this and maybe they'll get off your back. Chances are they just aren't used to seeing you this small and/or they are used to the average person being overweight so someone approaching lean seems unusual.

Long story short, do whichever you feel like, I think either is a valid option at this point. Just remember if you bulk up you're gonna have even more fat to lose to get lean. Cutting further right now to say, 10% means if you start a bulk after you'll be ahead of the game. Regardless, no one can make that decision for you.

HollisGrant

A lot of people in my family are telling me that I've taken things too far and that I need to stop losing weight. My mom is a doctor and even she has been telling me this, she's the one that wanted me to start losing weight in the first place. My sister says the same thing. I'm currently 167 pounds as a 6'0"(183cm) 30 y/o male.

Congrats on the weight loss! You look great. I agree with the other comments about the extra skin versus fat and maybe talking to a trainer about changing your focus.

A 6 foot 167 pound male is not too thin.

I've lost about 50 pounds. I need to lose another 10 pounds or so, but when people ask me about it and I mention I have a little more left to lose, they always argue that I should stop. It's better not to say anything.

hollyberry2012

From what ive heard, fat, skinny, or inbetween, never wait to weight train. Weight training builds muscle muscle burns energy (calories) so doesnt that mean you are doing two things at once rather than doing one first then the other later? I dont know, but as dedicated as you are, it seems like your determination is so great that you would do GREAT lifting and resistance training sheeesh, what a go getter you are!!!!!

ehimass

Thanks for all the responses and encouragement or criticism. Loose skin is exactly what my family calls it, although I'm pretty self conscious about it so I haven't shown them. I do think there is a significant amount of fat still in my abdobmen though. If I squeeze it feels more like warm play-doh than loose paper (most of the articles I've read say if you squeeze the skin and it's more than a few mm thick, there's fat there. I can still squeeze a solid 2-3 in roll of abdominal skin while standing, which isn't the case for chest, arms, or legs).

I have in fact considered the male tummy tuck surgery, but definitely wouldn't do that for another 12-18 months assuming I maintained something close to my ideal weight/bf% (which I envision as probably 180 lbs at 10%) and saw no improvements. Even then, the scars from the tummy tuck surgeries often look pretty bad, maybe even worse than the original problem in some cases. I don't scar well, another minus in the genetics department.

I'm glad to hear you're faring a little batter DopeItUp. I expect when I do begin to add muscle that I'll be lucky to get a 3:1 muscle:fat ratio in my weight gain, which is a big part of why I'm careful about how soon I end my calorie deficit and start doing that. The weight lifting routine I've been doing has just been preserving muscle (hopefully), I am only lifting about 10% more weight now than when I was at 220.

JessHealthKick

It honestly comes down to your build, preferences and health. My boyfriend it 6ft2~3 and weighs 145lb, but in his cultural and genetic background (Japanese) that's pretty acceptable for someone slim. That being said, your ribs are now visible and it does 'appear' to be loose skin.

I think lots of people need to come to a point where they reasses their goals. A wise phrase I remember is to not train or diet to be aesthetic, but for strength and health. I'm guessing your ideal is something of a lean sportsman? Do they train to look lean? No, they train for their fitness goals and sport, they couldn't give a rats *kitten* about the aesthetics but it comes with it. That's how I have trained with weights in the past, and focusing on increasing weight or reps, perfecting technique etc was a much better focus in the end (I lost weight when I wasn't really trying to as well)!

Anyway, I hope my ramble is somewhat helpful. Just reasses your goals is basically what I'm saying

ehimass

It honestly comes down to your build, preferences and health. My boyfriend it 6ft2~3 and weighs 145lb, but in his cultural and genetic background (Japanese) that's pretty acceptable for someone slim. That being said, your ribs are now visible and it does 'appear' to be loose skin.

I think lots of people need to come to a point where they reasses their goals. A wise phrase I remember is to not train or diet to be aesthetic, but for strength and health. I'm guessing your ideal is something of a lean sportsman? Do they train to look lean? No, they train for their fitness goals and sport, they couldn't give a rats *kitten* about the aesthetics but it comes with it. That's how I have trained with weights in the past, and focusing on increasing weight or reps, perfecting technique etc was a much better focus in the end (I lost weight when I wasn't really trying to as well)!

Anyway, I hope my ramble is somewhat helpful. Just reasses your goals is basically what I'm saying

To me, ideal would be something along the lines of this (minus the offensive tatoo in the second one of course):



I know it will never happen because of my age and the damage I've done to my body, but I'd like to get a lot closer to that than what I am now.

TavistockToad

i agree with it being mainly lose skin - it can take up to a year for skin to regain its elasticity, so i would try not to worry too much about it, it will get better.

When was the last time you had a break from eating at a deficit? You say your strength hasnt really increased a great deal, so why not eat at maintenance for a while and concentrate on your lifting/fitness?

anetgirl

My husband lost over 100 lbs about two years ago and still struggles with that floppy skin. Recently, he started taking Omega-3s and says he can tell a difference in his skin. Make sure you chose a quality fish oil though, I recommend AdvoCare's OmegaPlex.

rb16fitness

You look great as you are, you've lost a huge amount of weight and have a little bit of loose skin. Over time it may naturally skrink back once you start lifting weights. I agree with your family you certainly don't need to lose any more weight. Congrats on your phenomenal weight loss :drinker:

P.S - you're not ugly don't refer to yourself as such.

Hildy_J

Nice. Perfect, really. What was the question again? *fans self*

Oh yeah.. don't lose any more - you've lost all the fat now bulk up to 180-190 ish. Then post pics.

Lots of pics. Just so we can, errr, you know - check on your progress.

kellybellyjellyn

You look great !!! I would be also with those who say you don't need to lose anymore weight !! You don't look too thin either !!

Goodluck on the bulking up and well done on your loss !!! Amazing !!

littleburgy

"ugly4" and "ugly5"?

First suggestion I have is stop calling yourself "ugly"!

Iron_Feline

i agree with it being mainly lose skin - it can take up to a year for skin to regain its elasticity, so i would try not to worry too much about it, it will get better.

When was the last time you had a break from eating at a deficit? You say your strength hasnt really increased a great deal, so why not eat at maintenance for a while and concentrate on your lifting/fitness?

I'd agree with this take a diet break and eat at maintenace for a while, it will do you and your body good to have a short break, maybe a month or so. Plus the strenght gains you will see will be a nice goal to have during that period - soething to help you stop focusing so much on how you look, instead look at what your body can do :bigsmile: Then maybe try a slow bulk and cut to gain some muscle.

Congrats on the losing weight :flowerforyou:

Iron_Feline

"ugly4" and "ugly5"?

First suggestion I have is stop calling yourself "ugly"!

Didn't notice this - yes KNOCK IT OFF. You are far far from ugly hon. :flowerforyou:

dzejn8

gg

darrensurrey

You've done well. Forget the pouch of loose skin and focus on strength training and eating to train rather than lose more weight.

hoppyfrog1

NO! You look great, and you certainly don't look fat either.
Just work on the crunches and core work alongside the cardio and weights.
Problem is as you add definition and lose more body fat, you'll gain a little weight as you increase muscle, so you don't need to worry so much on the weight figure now.
Give your skin time, it'll pull in (just slower than the fat was to lose)

webbeyes

Let me put it this way: I'm 5'8" and trying to get UP to 155lbs. The top end of my BMI "healthy" would be at about 164lbs, but I have no desire nor the right structure to be up there. 6' tall would certainly have a much higher recommended weight.

firstsip

A lot of people in my family are telling me that I've taken things too far and that I need to stop losing weight. My mom is a doctor and even she has been telling me this, she's the one that wanted me to start losing weight in the first place.

I agree with everyone about it most likely being excess skin, with the best bet being continued strength training, gradually added more calories, and time/patience.

I will add another view to this, though--you are eating a tremendously low amount of calories. Your goal is 1500, but I saw several days of netting somewhere around 600. Even with increased protein and strength training, you're reaching a point where you're probably spinning your wheels. As others said, go to maintenance, or even consider a bulk, before you think about dropping further.

Not sure how often you're around your family when you eat, but they may have voiced concern because of your minimal eating + maximum exercising.

persistandendure

You're doing great. Just don't pay any attention to any negative comments. Build yourself up and keep moving forward!

blackcloud13

To answer your question directly - no you do not look too thin - not at all. I'm not far off you (6'1, 173 lbs)

As everyone above has said, weights will help build muscle (I actually think pressups too will be good for your overall upper body). As for the skin, I don't know. Perhaps give it a few months, see whether it adapts to your new size.

Overall - very well done!

One question - how did you come up with 155 as a target weight? (My approach was to look up tennis players and 400 metre runners that were my height, and use their weight as a benchmark)

kelseymaccombs

I would stop focusing on fat loss and start focusing on gaining muscle. Lifting heavy will help you lose fat, but it will tone you up so you look less "skinny" and more "fit!"

ChrisS30V

Dude, I am/was in the same boat as you, right down to the "stop losing weight, eat a burger, etc." comments and lower abdomen loose skin. My starting weight was around 260 lbs (at 6'2") and I'm currently bouncing around in the 155-160 lb range. Throughout the weight loss, the loose skin on my lower abdomen became more noticeable and I thought that if I kept losing it would eventually go away.

Finally, I got to a point where I concluded that further weight loss probably wouldn't be a good idea, even though the loose skin remained, so I upped my caloric intake and started eating at maintenance. In the 5 months I've been maintaining, my waist size has gone down 1"-1.5" on top of what I lost while in weight loss mode and loose skin in other areas has retracted as well, which has definitely improved my appearance. I also started taking lifting more seriously and that should help even more. Yeah, I've gotten the "too skinny" comments the whole time, but anytime you lose a good chunk of weight, as in your case, it's going to drastically alter how you look and people can take awhile to get used to it. Don't pay any mind to comments from others, because in the end what they say really doesn't matter, it's about how YOU feel.

No, I don't think you look too thin, I think you look fine. Don't get into the mindset of continually losing weight in an effort to chase the "perfect body" or to try to make the loose skin disappear. That's where you can run into problems because it can turn into a "maybe if I lose just 5 more lbs" type of deal where that 5 lbs turns into another 5 and then into another 5 until it gets out of hand (not saying that's what you're doing, but it does happen).

I'm not going to try to sway you one way or the other, but I think you would do great eating at maintenance for a month or two, continuing your exercise regimen and monitoring your body measurements. You may find that more weight loss in unnecessary.

astronomicals

Your calorioes over the last 10 months were at a pretty staggering deficit. You look like you've lost a fair amount of lean mass. That may have been of concern to them. That being said, whats done is done.

The only issue I see with cutting to 10% is plateaus. Don't develop an ED. Dont go even lower and just do more exericise. You're no longer at a dangerous weight so you have no excuse to do extreme such deficits. If you cant do it healthily than I'd agree with them that you should stop. I think you can though, but, brute force isn't the way to 10%. Getting to really low BF% requires skilled dieting, not extremes. Or extremes in conjunction with a pile of drugs that bodybuilders use.