when to quit

greattimes
greattimes Posts: 123 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
When do you call it quits on weight loss. I have been losing weight for 6 months. I'm where the Dr. says I should be for my height and age but I feel i need to lose another 15 ibs. Most people have been supportive to the weight loss but I am now getting comments that I have lost to much and need to quit.

Replies

  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
    My doctor told me the same thing. I told her my goal was another five pounds, which she says is fine. That will put me at the slim weight I was when I graduated from college but more than I was in high school when I was dancing and more than I was when I was nursing and couldn't keep weight on my body no matter how much I ate.

    It is easy for me to look in the mirror and see spots where I don't look like a model - not surprising as I'm 54.

    I am going to suggest that since your doctor says you shouldn't lose any more that you change your focus from weight loss to exercise and toning. This will take off inches and build strength without weight loss. I care how I look and how healthy I am. You will also get to eat more and still maintain - or maybe even lose a touch more.

    More importantly, the danger point is when you stop losing and need to maintain. Exercise, I'm told, is absolutely essential in maintaining that weight loss.
  • lvtruu1
    lvtruu1 Posts: 211 Member
    You quit when when you get where you want to be. What is your BMI? I hardly ever care about that number but it can still be relevant. As long as you aren't under weight from the BMI chart, you can, in most cases, continue losing weight. The bottom end of the BMI chart is often times ridiculously low. For me, I'm 6'4", the low "health" BMI is 155 pounds. That is anorexic. Often times, people reach their goal weight and because they lack muscle they still aren't happy. I'll tell you a little secret, many people reach their goals and are never going to be happy.

    So, if you want to lose those pounds, and you aren't entering into dangerous territory, go for it. Do what makes you happy.

    You are the only one that counts. I'd point out that depending on where you are at, 15 pounds may not make much of a difference to your appearance. That being said it can also be the least weight lost for the greatest gains. I looked up my progress and the last 15 pounds was 3" off my waist, and at my belly button.
  • rockerbabyy
    rockerbabyy Posts: 2,258 Member


    I am going to suggest that since your doctor says you shouldn't lose any more that you change your focus from weight loss to exercise and toning. This will take off inches and build strength without weight loss. I care how I look and how healthy I am. You will also get to eat more and still maintain - or maybe even lose a touch more.
    this was going to be my first suggestion.
    i dont put a lot of faith in BMI charts, but a lot of doctors go by them and the ones ive been too have all suggested the lower range of BMI for me. if thats the case with your dr, its probably a good idea to listen to him/her and focus on weight lifting and nutrition instead of the scale number.
  • mariagabriella
    mariagabriella Posts: 267 Member
    you never quit. when you get to your goal weight, you need to put in the same amount of effort to maintain as you did to lose.

    you stop losing weight when you feel satisfied with yourself.
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    Doctors don't always know what's up. My doctor said losing 50lbs in 18 months was "too fast"..I said...ummmm...okay. That's an average of less than 3 lbs a month....

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