How do you decide when to stop?

Oishii

How did you choose your goal weight? Mine is set at 55kg (121 lbs) because that's the weight I normally return to, and what I weighed throughout high school, but is that a good reason? How did you decide?

cflorkie

I Don't have a goal weight, because I'm here to improve my overall fitness and activity level, not to lose weight. Although I think that what I'm saying can apply to both circumstances. I hope to eventually gain muscle, but I don't know a 'number ' per say.

I don't think I'll ever be done, it's a lifestyle change I was going for.

amysambora

I'm the same as you. 56kg was my 'healthy, happy' weight, where I felt totally comfortable and wasn't worried about how I looked. I think that's a perfectly good motivator! Another thing is that I still have half a wardrobe full of clothes I wore at that weight that don't fit me anymore! It'd be much easier to be able to get back into them instead of having to buy more

I think it's a good idea to have a target weight, and just keep reassessing as you lose. I'm down to 62kg now which is a lot higher than my goal weight, but because I've been working out, I've gained muscle (which weighs more than fat) and I'm a lot smaller than the last time I weighed 62kg. Maybe 56kg would be too small for me. Just keep reassessing as you go!

lordofultima

I'll stop when I have a 6-pack, so I'll keep trimming off fat until that day. I assume I'll be there around 6% bodyfat or so, but everyone is different.

It's important to set a tangible, realistic goal -- but you should try and be specific, that way you know what you're reaching for. Set a goal weight or bodyfat, set a date that you want to be there, and push real hard!

bbygrl5

My sister-in-law is the same height and build as me and looks trim and fit, so I chose the same weight as her, 130lbs.

When I reach my goal is when I'll decide if I should keep lowering or not, but I know I'll at least be happy, I'm happy with my weight now, I just want to keep working to look trimmer and fitter.

Oishii

I've been two completely different 65kg before, so part of me wonders what 55 will actually be like, post baby. I think I'd look a bit haggard if I went lower though... Hmmm...

taletreader

I don't have a "happy (adult) weight", and the lower half of the overweight range would be thinner than I remember being. So I am aiming for that, say 155 lbs, and see how it feels. At that point, fitness and endurance will be vastly more important to me than weight loss.

runs4zen

For me, my doctor set it based on my height, bone structure, and his experience with folks my size. That said, it wasn't my initial goal weight...my personal goal was like someone else said, a place where I felt like I looked good and didn't worry about my size...which is 17 pounds more than what my doctor had set.

So, here's one way you might think about setting your goal weight. Take a look at some height/weight charts and determine what's considered a normal span for someone your size. (For instance, for me, it's anywhere between 125-169 so that's quite a spread! ) Then, pick a weight somewhere in the middle of that span and head for the goal! Adjust the goal if as you go along you find the goal unrealistic for one reason or another.

One more thing: I think you're going to find that every 10 pounds you take off gives you a whole new "fit" feeling so celebrate your improving health as you go down toward your goal! That way, you have "mini" goals and aren't just focused on the end result. What is that saying "it's about the journey not the destination"? It's a little of both for those of us reducing but it's sound reasoning!

Good luck!

runningneo122

My biometric scale tells me that I have (after doing the math) LBM of 160 pounds. My goal weight is based on that staying the same and bringing my body fat down to 15%. My goal weight for MFP is set at 190 which for my height and frame is near the high end. I am 6'2" and medium frame. Supposedly ideal weight is between like 155 and 194. 190 pounds with 15% BF makes my LBM 161.5. Close enough for my first goal. Getting leaner from there will require a different approach and I'll worry about finding out about it then. One goal at a time. Get the fat off first then switch to adding muscle.

hewhoiscd

My biometric scale tells me that I have (after doing the math) LBM of 160 pounds. My goal weight is based on that staying the same and bringing my body fat down to 15%. My goal weight for MFP is set at 190 which for my height and frame is near the high end. I am 6'2" and medium frame. Supposedly ideal weight is between like 155 and 194. 190 pounds with 15% BF makes my LBM 161.5. Close enough for my first goal. Getting leaner from there will require a different approach and I'll worry about finding out about it then. One goal at a time. Get the fat off first then switch to adding muscle.

Very similar to me. I am also 6'2" with a medium frame. My initial goal is to get down to 175lbs, middle of the range. Then once there, I won't look at weight much and just try and lower BF% while trying to gain muscle mass as well.. Would like to get to 18% BF to start, then go from there, maybe 15% and lower eventually. Currently at about 22%.