Too thin??

mysnailshell

Alright, I have a question I want to ask but I feel like it requires a little bit of background info. I started my weight loss journey in August of 2011. I am 23 years old, 5'8, and I started at around 208 pounds. Since that time I have lost a little over 70 pounds, mostly through calorie counting but also with the off and on help of a treadmill. My lowest weight was 131, and my current weight is between 133-135.

My grandmother, who is a nurse, and other family members & friends have recently expressed concern that I look too thin and should stop losing, or even possibly gain some weight back. The thing is, my weight is still concentrated in my mid-section. I still have a bit of a tummy and thicker thighs, but my arms and legs look like sticks, I have no breasts AT ALL, and I can count the bones in my chest. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I am bigger boned, if that matters.

I suppose I'm just looking for opinions at this point. I don't like discussing my weight with anyone I know IRL because it feels too personal and almost embarrassing. I hope this sort of post is appropriate, because I'm starting to feel desperate. This is the first post that I've made on this website, and I've been wanting to make it for a few weeks now but I've been too afraid. So, hello. And what do you guys think I should do? The idea of gaining weight back after all the hard work I've put in is just terrifying to me and I'm reluctant to go that route, but it's starting to look like my only option for purely health reasons.

elishazf

I used to have the same issue so I started doing ab exercises like plank and stuff and that's really helped me but from your picture you look fine

mysnailshell

I've tried a few different ab exercises and none have shown results so far... might try that again, though. And thank you. I'm just nervous because I started doing this for my health, and being too thin is just as unhealthy as being overweight. I might just be overthinking things.

schondell

I am your height and I was once around your weight so I know exactly what it is like. 135 and 5"8 for me was exactly what you are describing, thin upper body but still had a bit of lower tummy pudge and thicker thighs. I am not advocating this but I decided to simply lose 10lbs. So at 5"8 and 123-125 I am very, very slim but I enjoy how I look!

However, if everyone around you is telling you that you look thin enough, maybe work on toning instead of losing? Do what feels comfortable for you but being 5"8 and 125lbs is STILL in the "normal" BMI range, it's not underweight or anything.

Princess2012forever

You look fine. Do you have alot of chubby or overweight family members? If so, then they will always comment of your body being "too thin". I find that my family's idea of thin and mine are two completely different things. It sounds like you will have to lose more weight inorder to get rid of your stomach and take more off of your thighs. You will lose all over but mainly from these areas because that is where you put it genetically.

I have the same issue too but as a pear. Everyone says I'm fine but I want to lose more weight but I know that there will be a time when I don't want to lose more weight all over and have "trouble areas". If I can't live with them then I plan on getting lipo. But I want to lose all the weight so that I'm lean first.

elishazf

I've tried a few different ab exercises and none have shown results so far... might try that again, though. And thank you. I'm just nervous because I started doing this for my health, and being too thin is just as unhealthy as being overweight. I might just be overthinking things.

Yeah I found with ab exercises they take more patience than others like running or something. But maybe that's just me

mysnailshell

Most of my family is overweight, yes, and I did notice a spike in their comments when I lost the last of my visible chub... My mother in particular only started making comments to that effect when she discovered I weighed less than she did :ohwell:

I think I want to start exercising more, that would make me feel a bit better. Toning will give me something to focus on since I'm mostly eating maintenance calories (WHICH IS DIFFICULT!!!) instead of actively restricting them. I keep telling myself that this is a LIFESTYLE change and not a diet, but it really is incredibly hard to get used to living this way.

thethingirlinside

I don't think you should gain if you don't like tummy there are exercise for that maybe dont lose any more you are tall from your pic you look great familys always worry look at a chart .or ask the trainer that on here helping people.just to put iyour mind at ease.good luck

mamasmaltz3

Congrats on losing all that weight! You look nice. I would say though that working out is not only to lose weight but to be healthy. I think a regular workout is great for you inside as well as outside. Being strong is a great feeling.

mysnailshell

Most of my weight loss has come from pure calorie counting, so I really would like to get a regular exercise routine going. That's probably the change I need. I also quit smoking two weeks ago, so I think that could be the answer to a lot of my problems right now. Thank you all so much for answering! I'm a really neurotic person and I felt super silly even making this post so I really appreciate it.

gingerjen7

You look fine to me. I wouldn't worry about what other people say, as long as you are happy.

Awkward30

I think you look fine, but if you lose more you might get the PoW (Prisoner of War) look.

I'd suggest a small bulk... Lift weights and build some muscle, eating about 250 cal over maintenance. Do that for 2 months, then lose weight while lifting to get to where you feel comfortable. If you had some muscle, you wouldn't look so small, so it might solve the problem.

Seriously though, all that matters is your opinion... so as long as you are getting sufficient nutrients to be healthy, I don't think what your family thinks should factor in to your plans.

NotHopelessButHopeful

As long as you're healthy I say you're doing fine. You may just need more toning. I have a friend around you're height and weight who lost a lot of weight but in her case I do feel she is too thin. It's only because she has been so sick and the doctor told her to gain 10 lbs and incorporate more fats into her diet. If you're healthy and comfortable it doesn't matter what others say.

lallaloolly

i would recommend starting and sticking with a regular exercise routine. you will tone up and you will get to keep eating (eat more, actually) and probably end up a lot happier and healthier than starving down another ten pounds. an exercise routine will help keep you off the ciggies, too (i quit smoking 6 weeks ago after many years of smoking! so happy:)

RaeLB

Are you healthy?
Are you happy?

That's all that matters.

jheartj95

Congrats on the weight loss!!!! You look great, and I love the pink hair)

nxd10

You do look great.

At 5'9 at around that weight I was healthy and a dancer (and never ever restricted my eating). When I hit 128 my dancing instructors told me I was too thin.

It sounds to me like you should be on maintenance and working out and seeing how to reshape your body. Resistance training and also cardio. It doesn't sound like a weight loss issue at this point.

MFPfriend

Lift things. Heavy things.

AZKristi

You look great, but its hard to tell from the photo the specific characteristics you described. Just because you are close to your goal weight doesn't necessarily mean you've achieved your desired body composition goals. Perhaps eat closer to maintenance calories and focus on working out and doing plenty of strength training to reduce body fat. Just an idea, I'm no where close to that yet.

mysnailshell

You guys are all awesome and I appreciate your feedback so, so much! I think you're right, too; exercise is key right now. It will help keep me focused and help me feel better about my body, and better in general. I expected to gain a little weight when I quit smoking, and I've gained about a pound in the two weeks since I quit, so getting a routine going is crucial. I think I'd be comfortable putting a couple more pounds back on as long as I was still doing some good for my body by working out regularly.

Cheval13

I am your height and I was once around your weight so I know exactly what it is like. 135 and 5"8 for me was exactly what you are describing, thin upper body but still had a bit of lower tummy pudge and thicker thighs. I am not advocating this but I decided to simply lose 10lbs. So at 5"8 and 123-125 I am very, very slim but I enjoy how I look!

However, if everyone around you is telling you that you look thin enough, maybe work on toning instead of losing? Do what feels comfortable for you but being 5"8 and 125lbs is STILL in the "normal" BMI range, it's not underweight or anything.

I don't mean to be disparaging to this poster, but I noticed that you are planning to go down to less than 120 and that enters the underweight BMI range...
That being said, for the OP, I think that everyone is different and should decide for themselves what weight is best for them. However, I think you should consider toning up (exercises) before losing more weight...

jeme3

You are at the lower end of healthy normal BMI.

It wouldn't hurt if you put on a few pounds, but if you are comfortable and healthy where you are no need to.

More exercise/toning will help with your proportions.

Looking at your profile, I do wonder how fast you lost the weight, and what/how much you are eating.

If you are eating enough healthy food and otherwise healthy and taking care of your self, I wouldn't worry too much about what others say. They are used to seeing you one way, and it'll take them awhile to adapt to the new you.

angel823

Ive found My family tells me the same exact thing, And My BMI still has me as Overweight. My thing is that my fam has never seen me this thin and to them I am TOO THIN.

In reality it comes down to how u feel

The only person who will, and can make u happy is you

Shayztar

There's a lady on here who is a great inspiration. Her posts on the forums are truly inspiring, and she has the links up on her profile page. She talks about toning and not worrying about the scale.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/lorinalynn

ETA the link to her profile page.

MoreBean13

First- I would say that you should probably start focusing on body composition, rather than weight loss or gain. It sounds to me like you have some insecurities still about your body, and you can start to reshape it the way you want by lifting weights. Hit the gym and hit it heavy! I would suggest finding your true maintenance, and start eating close to maintenance, focus on getting adequate protein (1 gm per lb LBM) and crush some iron GIRL!

Second- It's EXTREMELY common that friends and family tell people they're getting "too thin". Don't listen to the words- listen to the underlying reason they're saying them. Usually, the reason is that your changes are exposing them to feelings of insecurity about themselves, that they want to change but don't yet have the motivation to do so. Usually they don't consciously know that, but that's the reason. Just say "thank you for your concerns, I am very close to meeting my goals!" and try to change the subject. You just have to sort of get a thick skin about hearing this, it pretty much always happens to people who lose significant weight.

geekyjock76

Try to ignore the comments of envious family members and friends. If everyone around you is overweight, they will think they are normal and you aren't.

It's typical for people who stressed calorie restriction and a bit of cardio to end up where you are. So you are not neurotic for your thoughts. Focus on body composition by upping lean body mass and reducing fat mass rather than scale weight and make strength training your priority exercise.

dixoncrew

I am very similar as well, very bony up top but I have thighs and a booty so it is very deceptive. I am also almost 5'8" and currently 137#. Just ignore them.

atxdee

First of all... Let me start by saying you look good. People are never happy. So just be happy with yourself and do what makes you happy as long as its not hurting you or anyone else.

Second. THIS sounds just like whats going on with me. I've always been condemned for being "too skinny," even though I eat like a horse. IM tired of it. I'm like F** it.. as long as I'm happy all I care. So I set out to lose what I thought are my problem areas.

I've always had skinny arms and legs and find it hard to gain weight in those areas. AND my fat was all my mid section. MY tummy, back, boobs, etc. really really fat.. like 20lbs of fat .. I lost 25 lbs since January and it has been MOSTLY from my mid section. But of course fat can't be targeted so I have also lost some in the face, neck, etc.. Now that just makes me look thinner and friends and family are like, "wow you are way too skinny." BUT the fact remains I have always been skinny just not where it counts.

AND besides that..doctors say that women who have most of their FAT in their mid section are most at risk for heart problems. So I had to get rid of it. And so did you. So don't be discouraged. Do what feels right to you. AND people will complain and be concerned, sometimes they mean no harm by it, but its something that you just have to kinda get passed. And just know that not all people will be as understanding as those who live and work for a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Great job on your weight loss.. Keep up the good work.

mysnailshell

You are at the lower end of healthy normal BMI.

It wouldn't hurt if you put on a few pounds, but if you are comfortable and healthy where you are no need to.

More exercise/toning will help with your proportions.

Looking at your profile, I do wonder how fast you lost the weight, and what/how much you are eating.

If you are eating enough healthy food and otherwise healthy and taking care of your self, I wouldn't worry too much about what others say. They are used to seeing you one way, and it'll take them awhile to adapt to the new you.

I lost the bulk of my weight in late August of 2011 through April/May of 2012. It was fairly steady loss along the way, and since May I've lost another 15 or so pounds, at a much slower pace. I eat a little bit of everything; I don't restrict myself at all, I just eat smaller portions of the things I love. I am a really picky eater, but I still eat one large meal and one small meal with lots of snacking in between throughout the day. I am a Smart Ones/Lean Cuisine addict. XD I don't have a strict eating routine, and I have a lot of cheat days and zig-zagging calories but I've never had problems doing that. My metabolism is a thing of wonder! I've also started taking a multivitamin in the past month or so because I was having fainting spells off and on a few months ago. I had blood tests and everything came back completely normal, but I figured it couldn't hurt. My fainting spells are also the reason I've stopped smoking and I'm also trying to reduce my caffeine intake. I have a panic disorder as well, which could be the cause of the fainting spells, but I just figured I should go big or go home. I'm doing this for my health, so I might as well really go for it. Regular exercise is the obvious next step, I suppose, I've just been to lazy to make a schedule for myself.

slrose

shucks to them

its your body, get it to where you feel comfortable

Missmsg

People may think you are too thin because they see and remember your old size. So you may be too thin to them as they may compare you to your previous weight but you look great!