5'1 and 104 Pounds...Help

EmmaLeahK

HI everyone I am 19, 5'1 and weigh 104 pounds. I have skinny bones and absolutely no muscle mass so while 104 sounds ridiculously light I have at least 5 pounds of excess fat on me. I look my healthiest at about 100 pounds. I know that at my weight the body is not exactly dying to get rid of extra fat so the weight loss process (of 4 pounds) will be difficult for me.
I only found out about calorie deficits this week when I joined MFP and I need some help discovering how to lose the 'last 4 pounds' when my body is naturally going to resist. I typically eat about 1000-1200 calories a day now and feel healthy. I used to eat about 1000 calories of pasta for dinner without realizing it so I am adjusting to portion control.
Please give me your strength training/cardio/diet suggestions!
Does anyone else have similar stats?
I am not trying to lose a ton of weight, I just want to shave some pounds of my thighs and stomach and see nice toning.
Thank you so much!

Jbear1967

I always had trouble gaining weight for most of my life until I hit 43... Anyway, what your wanting is too skinny imo, it makes you look sickly when your too thin... If you want to tone up try weights... Good Luck

ironanimal

Your BMI is on the low end of average, approaching Underweight. Stop a second and rethink your goals. In your case, I would recommend instead of trying to LOSE any more, instead you try to GAIN some lean muscle mass. This will give you the results you're after - I get the impression you're approaching the 'Skinny-fat' zone where you have low bodyfat and lack tone. This is because there's not enough muscle mass to show off.

This would mean eating a SURPLUS, with a focus on protein combined with strength training. Do not panic. You will not develop massive man muscles. You need more testosterone than the average woman produces to do that. Using weight machines and free weights, as well as performing bodyweight strength exercises will be what you need to really start seeing abs etc.

If you continue just to reduce your fat you won't see tone, so take a moment to think about it again.

JodieTennant

I agree with the above post. If you're at a gym, ask an instructor to give you some functional training moves, strength exercises etc. Maybe get yourself to a circuits class or something.
I wouldn't focus really on loosing 4lbs, more gaining some muscle tone. Up your protein intake a little too if you're going to do this. When you gain more muscle mass, you'll naturally see your thighs and problem areas looking leaner and slimmer without necessarily focusing on loosing weight.
Good luck!

quixoticmantis

Your BMI is on the low end of average, approaching Underweight. Stop a second and rethink your goals. In your case, I would recommend instead of trying to LOSE any more, instead you try to GAIN some lean muscle mass. This will give you the results you're after - I get the impression you're approaching the 'Skinny-fat' zone where you have low bodyfat and lack tone. This is because there's not enough muscle mass to show off.

This would mean eating a SURPLUS, with a focus on protein combined with strength training. Do not panic. You will not develop massive man muscles. You need more testosterone than the average woman produces to do that. Using weight machines and free weights, as well as performing bodyweight strength exercises will be what you need to really start seeing abs etc.

If you continue just to reduce your fat you won't see tone, so take a moment to think about it again.

Agree with the above, most definately. 100 lbs is extremely light, even for me and I'm 4'11". Focus on gaining muscle mass. Good luck!

jenniebean1680

Your BMI is on the low end of average, approaching Underweight. Stop a second and rethink your goals. In your case, I would recommend instead of trying to LOSE any more, instead you try to GAIN some lean muscle mass. This will give you the results you're after - I get the impression you're approaching the 'Skinny-fat' zone where you have low bodyfat and lack tone. This is because there's not enough muscle mass to show off.

This would mean eating a SURPLUS, with a focus on protein combined with strength training. Do not panic. You will not develop massive man muscles. You need more testosterone than the average woman produces to do that. Using weight machines and free weights, as well as performing bodyweight strength exercises will be what you need to really start seeing abs etc.

If you continue just to reduce your fat you won't see tone, so take a moment to think about it again.

THIS.

Pepper2185

Your BMI is on the low end of average, approaching Underweight. Stop a second and rethink your goals. In your case, I would recommend instead of trying to LOSE any more, instead you try to GAIN some lean muscle mass. This will give you the results you're after - I get the impression you're approaching the 'Skinny-fat' zone where you have low bodyfat and lack tone. This is because there's not enough muscle mass to show off.

This would mean eating a SURPLUS, with a focus on protein combined with strength training. Do not panic. You will not develop massive man muscles. You need more testosterone than the average woman produces to do that. Using weight machines and free weights, as well as performing bodyweight strength exercises will be what you need to really start seeing abs etc.

If you continue just to reduce your fat you won't see tone, so take a moment to think about it again.

cversey is right.

MB_Positif

Your BMI is on the low end of average, approaching Underweight. Stop a second and rethink your goals. In your case, I would recommend instead of trying to LOSE any more, instead you try to GAIN some lean muscle mass. This will give you the results you're after - I get the impression you're approaching the 'Skinny-fat' zone where you have low bodyfat and lack tone. This is because there's not enough muscle mass to show off.

This would mean eating a SURPLUS, with a focus on protein combined with strength training. Do not panic. You will not develop massive man muscles. You need more testosterone than the average woman produces to do that. Using weight machines and free weights, as well as performing bodyweight strength exercises will be what you need to really start seeing abs etc.

If you continue just to reduce your fat you won't see tone, so take a moment to think about it again.

THIS.

Yup. If you want to be toned, losing the 4 pounds isn't going to do it! You need to build the muscles before you can show them off!

jenniebean1680

also: Muscle takes up less space than fat, so while you may weigh more, you can actually look thinner w/ some muscle mass. Make sure you're getting adequate carbs and protein, and that you're eating to your net (calories in - calories out = net that MFP gives you). If you under eat, your body is preferentially burning muscle before fat. And think about that. Your heart is a muscle. Let's not mess around with that, you know?

Just don't freak out, you may "puff up" and see some water weight gain at first. This happened to me and I freaked. But if you keep at it, your body will level off and you will start seeing that muscle tone coming in and your measurements will start improving.

To that end, I recommend focusing more on your measurements (Waist, hips, chest, arms, thighs) than on what the scale says. Because who cares what it says if you look better? Nobody can tell by looking at you what you weigh. But they can sure tell if you're lean!

desertcubster

absolutely!!! who cares what your actual # is??? do you really?? would you really rather be 100 pounds and not very healthy OR a 110 pound very healthy girl who could do anything? please dont focus on a number...overall health is much more important. the extra 4 pounds you would lose will also be from what little muscle you have now. concentrate on working out with weights with great form and work the muscles. the increase in muscle will help you lose whatever tiny amount of fat anyway. think of it this way: drive to a bunch of workout clubs and look at what the female trainers look like. i guarantee you that none of them really care what their number is.

Sweeterescape

If you're not into the gym, I'd recommend a workout video at home to build muscle and tone. For example, Jillian Michaels DVDs like the 30 Day Shred, or Beachbody workouts like Insanity or P90X. There are tons out there!

I agree with the above - it sounds like you want to tone up rather than lose weight. Good luck!

NewTeena

I'm 5'1 too. When I was 16, I was 107 and looked gorgeous. My daughter is 5'2, 131 lbs and is gorgeous. Your body is becoming that of a woman from being a young girl, naturally there are going to be changes. I bet you look gorgeous. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Athena413

Your BMI is on the low end of average, approaching Underweight. Stop a second and rethink your goals. In your case, I would recommend instead of trying to LOSE any more, instead you try to GAIN some lean muscle mass. This will give you the results you're after - I get the impression you're approaching the 'Skinny-fat' zone where you have low bodyfat and lack tone. This is because there's not enough muscle mass to show off.

This would mean eating a SURPLUS, with a focus on protein combined with strength training. Do not panic. You will not develop massive man muscles. You need more testosterone than the average woman produces to do that. Using weight machines and free weights, as well as performing bodyweight strength exercises will be what you need to really start seeing abs etc.

If you continue just to reduce your fat you won't see tone, so take a moment to think about it again.

Couldn't have said it better myself. You may actually gain a little bit of weight, but it will be lean muscle and you will look a lot better, which is ultimately what every girl wants. As women, we rely WAY too much on the number on the scale, when really, we just need to be paying attention to our bodies.

schnarfo

Ok first of all.... stop worrying about numbers! They are just that... numbers!

you said yourself in your post that you have no muscle tone - that is what you should be addressing here. Incorporate some strength training exercises into your regime and youll see the fat melt off and gorgeous muscles appear instead. You may weigh slightly more as a result but you will look smaller!

Molly182

I agree with everybody else on this one

EmmaLeahK

Thanks everyone, I actually don't even own a scale I just assume 100 is good for me to give a better idea my waist is 27 inches and I'd like it to be 25...any suggestions? just strength training?

KareninCanada

Big ditto to all of the above.

I just discovered nerdfitness.com this week - there is a lot of good information on there that's pretty basic for people starting out, as well as more advanced stuff. Check out this article over there for a real-life example of the difference between skinny and super fit: http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero

)

stang_girl88

I agree with the other posters too. BTW, I would kill to weigh 104 lbs and only a 27 inch waist! Dont stress about it, I am sure you look fabulous!

purpleipod

What makes you think you'll look any different losing just 4 pounds? You are already tiny. Build muscle rather than lose pounds at this point, you'll be a lot better off if you do.

ironanimal

Thanks everyone, I actually don't even own a scale I just assume 100 is good for me to give a better idea my waist is 27 inches and I'd like it to be 25...any suggestions? just strength training?

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/lindsay-kaye-fitness-360.html

That plan I think will be best suited to you - don't worry so much about the nutrition side, but set up MFP so that you have a gain 1/2lb a week setting with a 40% Protein, 30% Carbs, 30% fat split on your macro nutrients. If you want me to guide you through setting that up, just let me know.

snookumss

Your BMI is on the low end of average, approaching Underweight. Stop a second and rethink your goals. In your case, I would recommend instead of trying to LOSE any more, instead you try to GAIN some lean muscle mass. This will give you the results you're after - I get the impression you're approaching the 'Skinny-fat' zone where you have low bodyfat and lack tone. This is because there's not enough muscle mass to show off.

This would mean eating a SURPLUS, with a focus on protein combined with strength training. Do not panic. You will not develop massive man muscles. You need more testosterone than the average woman produces to do that. Using weight machines and free weights, as well as performing bodyweight strength exercises will be what you need to really start seeing abs etc.

If you continue just to reduce your fat you won't see tone, so take a moment to think about it again.

What an awesome response... I also second, or third, or fourth, or whatever the freak it is!!!

dmpizza

Run 2 miles a day, 4 or 5 days a week.

It will take you about two weeks to get up to pace, but it will work.

Best of luck to you.

99Tinkerbell

Listen to the people... we can not all be super skinny models 100 # way too light!

nickymcp

I agree with the other commenters. Personally I don't focus on my weight any more, but instead on, mainly, my waist measurement. I'd recommend that you take a little time away from the scales, add a little protein into your diet, and do a little strength and cardio training (google HIIT for short online workouts that provide both). You may put on a little weight, but you'll be fit, toned, and probably smaller (since muscle weighs more than fat). This works way better than restrictive eating ever worked for me.

saraperikansiz

This girl is my sister (emma leah) she used to be like 98 pounds and looked lean and toned when she turned 18 her metabolism slowed down. None of you know what she actually looks like and while any weight under 110lb sounds skinny she has incredibly small bones and is a petite 5"1 and yes she could tone up and could afford to lose some fat without even coming close to being considered under weight, malnourished or have her bones sticking out. I have met women at 5"2 and 130 pounds who look slimmer than my sister and women her height who weight less and look bigger it all depends on muscle mass and where you carry your weight. I gained 5lbs of muscle last year but first I lost weight due to intense cardio and a healthy diet, I looked much slimmer when I put on the 5lbs of muscle so I agree she needs to build muscle but cardio is also key because despite what you all think 100lbs is not always too skinny or super model thin. It frustrates me that people assume they know what a person actually looks like by their weights and stats. By all means on paper she appears to be a tiny person but in reality her body could use a little tone and could stand to lose some fat. Everyone's body is different so don't assume someone will be underweight if they weigh 100lb just because that is not an attainable weight for your body and size. Some people have big bones and other don't so weight can look different on everyone whether it is muscle or fat. Look on the site mybodygallery.com and see what different people at 5'1 look like and you will understand how weight distribution is different for us all

cydonian

This girl is my sister (emma leah) she used to be like 98 pounds and looked lean and toned when she turned 18 her metabolism slowed down. None of you know what she actually looks like and while any weight under 110lb sounds skinny she has incredibly small bones and is a petite 5"1 and yes she could tone up and could afford to lose some fat without even coming close to being considered under weight, malnourished or have her bones sticking out. I have met women at 5"2 and 130 pounds who look slimmer than my sister and women her height who weight less and look bigger it all depends on muscle mass and where you carry your weight. I gained 5lbs of muscle last year but first I lost weight due to intense cardio and a healthy diet, I looked much slimmer when I put on the 5lbs of muscle so I agree she needs to build muscle but cardio is also key because despite what you all think 100lbs is not always too skinny or super model thin. It frustrates me that people assume they know what a person actually looks like by their weights and stats. By all means on paper she appears to be a tiny person but in reality her body could use a little tone and could stand to lose some fat. Everyone's body is different so don't assume someone will be underweight if they weigh 100lb just because that is not an attainable weight for your body and size. Some people have big bones and other don't so weight can look different on everyone whether it is muscle or fat. Look on the site mybodygallery.com and see what different people at 5'1 look like and you will understand how weight distribution is different for us all

The support you show for your sister is so overwhelming in this post, it's gagging me. /sarcasm

ironanimal

This girl is my sister (emma leah) she used to be like 98 pounds and looked lean and toned when she turned 18 her metabolism slowed down. None of you know what she actually looks like and while any weight under 110lb sounds skinny she has incredibly small bones and is a petite 5"1 and yes she could tone up and could afford to lose some fat without even coming close to being considered under weight, malnourished or have her bones sticking out. I have met women at 5"2 and 130 pounds who look slimmer than my sister and women her height who weight less and look bigger it all depends on muscle mass and where you carry your weight. I gained 5lbs of muscle last year but first I lost weight due to intense cardio and a healthy diet, I looked much slimmer when I put on the 5lbs of muscle so I agree she needs to build muscle but cardio is also key because despite what you all think 100lbs is not always too skinny or super model thin. It frustrates me that people assume they know what a person actually looks like by their weights and stats. By all means on paper she appears to be a tiny person but in reality her body could use a little tone and could stand to lose some fat. Everyone's body is different so don't assume someone will be underweight if they weigh 100lb just because that is not an attainable weight for your body and size. Some people have big bones and other don't so weight can look different on everyone whether it is muscle or fat. Look on the site mybodygallery.com and see what different people at 5'1 look like and you will understand how weight distribution is different for us all

Yet, as per my suspicions, she looks really good at the weight she is at the moment. She does not need to lose weight. You do not need to be super slim to be attractive. I understand you have a different view, but honestly I feel a lot of young women have their perceptions incredibly warped by all the glossy mags and glamour programs they watch.

Bikini_Bound150

Stop worrying about the #'s. Why don't you just try to tone up? Get some sexy, lean, healthy muscle mass and you will look amazing. Your arms will be nicely formed and you won't have to worry about "looking your best at 100lbs" because you will look AMAZING with a little muscle mass.

However, you need to EAT to build muscle. I would suggest you eat 1200-1500 depending on whether you lifted that day.

PLEASE JUST REMEMBER TO STAY HEALTHY! HEALTH HEALTH HEALTH. That is what MATTERS!!

:flowerforyou:

CoderGal

This girl is my sister (emma leah) she used to be like 98 pounds and looked lean and toned when she turned 18 her metabolism slowed down. None of you know what she actually looks like and while any weight under 110lb sounds skinny she has incredibly small bones and is a petite 5"1 and yes she could tone up and could afford to lose some fat without even coming close to being considered under weight, malnourished or have her bones sticking out. I have met women at 5"2 and 130 pounds who look slimmer than my sister and women her height who weight less and look bigger it all depends on muscle mass and where you carry your weight. I gained 5lbs of muscle last year but first I lost weight due to intense cardio and a healthy diet, I looked much slimmer when I put on the 5lbs of muscle so I agree she needs to build muscle but cardio is also key because despite what you all think 100lbs is not always too skinny or super model thin. It frustrates me that people assume they know what a person actually looks like by their weights and stats. By all means on paper she appears to be a tiny person but in reality her body could use a little tone and could stand to lose some fat. Everyone's body is different so don't assume someone will be underweight if they weigh 100lb just because that is not an attainable weight for your body and size. Some people have big bones and other don't so weight can look different on everyone whether it is muscle or fat. Look on the site mybodygallery.com and see what different people at 5'1 look like and you will understand how weight distribution is different for us all

I was kinda thinking along those lines as I read all those comments. People come here, probably think wow this must be a group of unhealthy people who are going to get mad if their makeup is different from theirs. I was 5'7 and 90 pounds in high school and wore a loose size 3 so I know where she's coming from. Everyone told me I was anorexic...I ate about 2000-3000 calories a day (damn it wtf happened lol). I've also been told by doctors that I have large bones, that I'm perfectly healthy, but I'm under the recommended weight, but not to worry about it.

Thanks everyone, I actually don't even own a scale I just assume 100 is good for me to give a better idea my waist is 27 inches and I'd like it to be 25...any suggestions? just strength training?

Ignoring what you said (you want to be a specific weight) and what everyone else says (you shouldn't be) if you want to work out and look better then good for you. I hope you find a group that doesn't put you down because you're smaller then them and don't work the same as them. This goes with assuming you just want to tone up no matter what your weight is (1000 calories a day is very low, doctors will not recommend that, and neither do I though I've eaten that some days and haven't felt hungry if I haven't moved around much that day). People here get upity because they get overly concerned, especially when they don't know you. They are just concerned, and what they're trying to say is don't be obsessed with the weight but I totally understand toned.

"Females of an average height and weight (64 inches tall and 126 lbs.) still need as much energy as when they were adolescents--just over 2,400 calories daily". - Michele Turcotte, a registered, licensed dietitian and certified personal trainer.

I would like to point out tho that what you said is that you're eating less then double what an average female (5'4) eats. You are not half the height of 5'4. If they're exercising more, they should be eating more too. Make sure that if you're exercising, you take in more food. If you're gaining weight with this, then you may have a hypothyroid or other problem (there are threads about it around here somewhere).

Sounds like you just need a bit of good ol exercise! And you can definitely get a smaller waist (or at least make it look flat and lean), but at that size you'll probably gain weight so don't be concerned if you do. What kind of stuff do you like? I recommend yoga, pilates and hooping because they're fun!

DKBelle

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wrevhn

i thought it was said (- super lean athletes) 100 for 5'0 and 5 lbs per inch after. so your actually right on. for lean athletes its 99 at 5 and 4 lbs for each inch taller.


of coarse a "range" is different. Like my healthy range is 108-140 i think (5'4) so yours could be different. i think bone structure effects it.