Women at/near goal weight: age & reasonable expectations...

peacemongernc

I've been over 200 pounds for the last 25 years, and in the neighborhood of 300 for most of that time. I was overweight as a child, too. The only time I wasn't obese was when I went on a crash diet (read: eating disorder) when I was around 17. At the end of that I was down in the lower 160s. I remember that my waist measurement was 27" or 26" if I pulled the tape measure tight.

Since then I've mostly been over 275 pounds and I've birthed 3 giant babies.

Now I'm back down to 201 and thinking I could actually see 160 again (Yay!) by Christmas, maybe.

So, if I get my body fat % down low enough, will I see that 27" waist measurement again? Or will age and hormones mean that it can't happen?

I don't believe my measurements, all over, would ever be the same again because fat isn't going to be deposited in the same places at 45 as it was at 17. But it seems like if I got my BF% low enough, maybe that one measurement might be the same again.

Someone suggested that birthing children would make my hips spread out, and that might prevent my waist from being as small as it was back then.

I realize that a 27" waist isn't really all that small, but I'm a pretty broad person in general, so that very well might be the smallest it will ever be.

Anyway, I have been operating under the assumption that I wouldn't end up with a very good figure at the end of all this, but I'm wondering if I've been overly pessimistic.

Anyone been there, done that, and have any thoughts on it?

Thank you!

Shannon

peacemongernc

bump

lin7604

you may still be able to get to it if you try hard enough and are determined enough. I Think it all depends on you. For me myself, i have tried so hard to get to pre baby measurements and weight and i just can't do it. I am close but not there.. I have tried so hard, exercised 6 days a week, measure everything, upped cals, lowered them, etc etc and i just can't get there, so i assume this is where i am ment to be.... do i like that thought, NO of course not but i think i might just have to accept it as hard as it is... I know if i have more determination and spend every waking minute exercising etc i may get there but then that means it will be just that much harder to stay there and i will fight with it always I AM NOT WILING TO DO THAT. i WANT TO BE COMFORTABLE AND NOT WORRY ABOUT EATING A BIT MORE ONE DAY OR NOT EXERCISING ONE DAY ETC. so i guess it really ends up being your decision if you re willing to be that hard on yourself to strive to get there and if you can stay there in the end...

just4nessa

I never expected that at 43 that I would be at the lowest weight I've ever been in my adult life. I am 20 lbs below my original goal weight and now working on strength training to try to improve my overall body composition. It takes hard work and patience. I accept that I may never look like I did when I was 25. That's ok, because I think I've made great improvements to my health, and my self-esteem has sky-rocketed as a result. The number on the scale or on the tag in my clothing does not define me but I am definitely happier with the new me. Please don't let a number define your potential for happiness. My advice would be to focus on being the best you that you can be, regardless of your age, weight or size.

CristinaL1983

I'm 5'7'' and 166 right now, I have a large frame (by measurements). My waist is currently 27'' and I can probably lose at least another inch. I have a 6 year old. I'm shooting for 150 but I could probably go down to 145.

There's no way to know until you get there.

healthygreek

I am 59 and recently measured my waist at 26 1/2. Although my skin doesn't quite look like it did at age 20, I am so pleased with how I look and fit into clothes. I'm on vaca right now feeling confident in a bikini! I never quite made it to 200 pounds but I was up there for a while and now I'm proud of my health/weightloss accomplishments.
Keep going-the rewards are great and you will definitely have a 27 inch waist (and possibly lower) once again!

Gail3260

I say give it a go and see what happens. I am 53 and started at 192 and am now 150, only 3lbs from my goal. My body isn't quite the same shape as it was before I had the kids but it's not far off.

gsager

I think you can have what you're willing to work for! Keep up the good work.

susheetush

Even at my thinnest, where my BMI was 21, my waist never got to 27inches. I'm kinda straight up and down, and tend not to lose in the mid section. And while I obsessed about it for a while, now I'm more accepting that I don't have a classic hourglass shape but am in good shape nonetheless.