Losing weight for health or vanity?

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Replies

  • Brownsbacker4evr
    Brownsbacker4evr Posts: 365 Member
    Im losing for health. My career of choice requires me to be in shape, so that is my number one motivator.

    If any superficial perks come along with it I won't complain though. But, definitely not the reason im doing this.
  • MissJJ74
    MissJJ74 Posts: 111 Member
    Like someone else said, health first. My goal was getting better blood work results and to not end up on medications like my parents, because I was heading in that direction and fast.

    However once the weight started coming off, and I got closer to my body of 10 years ago when I looked like a personal trainer, vanity kicked in. Now I have to firm up what I lost and get the flat belly I once had.

    Health is first and foremost above all else. Anything else is just a bonus and gravy.
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    Started for health ....but a certain level of vanity has crept in too.
  • RobynLB83
    RobynLB83 Posts: 626 Member
    Mainly for vanity. My heaviest weight is medically probably the healthiest for me, but I prefer a leaner, more athletic, high performance model.
  • Vune
    Vune Posts: 674 Member
    I want to lose weight for vanity purely. I want to eat better and exercise more for my health.
  • postrockandcats
    postrockandcats Posts: 1,145 Member
    Health was the reason and is still the main fuel for it. But, I'm starting to enjoy the vanity of it as well. I can't lie!

    Also, fitting into regular clothing has pretty much been awesome as well. Plus-sized clothes were hard to shop for. :(
  • Achrya
    Achrya Posts: 16,913 Member
    Purely for vanity here. It's a strong motivator.
  • kazzsjourney
    kazzsjourney Posts: 674 Member
    Started off for health reasons (was 380 pounds)...now at 190 pounds its definitely about vanity.
  • dmikulin
    dmikulin Posts: 6 Member
    Both, but vanity becomes a better day to day motivator as strength and cardio improve to the point where I am satisfied with them.
  • ColumnHugger
    ColumnHugger Posts: 43 Member
    Both. My mom was diagnosed with type two diabetes about 10 years ago and about 4 years ago she became insulin dependent. At first it scared me but I was all "ehh that won't happen to me" until I found out my dad (who has never been a part of my life) is also an insulin dependent diabetic. It scared the crap out of me knowing my chances of becoming an insulin dependent diabetic had been doubled and the fact I am obese wasn't helping my chances. So that was my health reason. My vanity reason is my best friends are getting married in August and I'm a bridesmaid. I went to visit them in March for my spring break and to meet the other bridesmaids and basically if I don't lose weight I'll be the biggest person in the whole wedding party and I don't want to be standing up there worried about people in the audience judging me wondering "who is that fat bridesmaid". I want to be able to stand up there proudly and watch my best friend marry her prince charming without worrying about other people judging me. It's petty I know but come on all of us who are overweight know people judge us.
  • sherrylynn56
    sherrylynn56 Posts: 31
    I also just joined this past week or so. But mine is for the second time. The first time I went to a women gym and got talked into getting a fitness coach or trainer what ever. An I lost nothing. And I worked out hard for 1.50 hrs. three days a week until it started causing problems with my legs, plus work got in the way. I didn't do me any good. I didn't lose but 9 #'s in the 3 months I worked so hard at. I got depressed and gave up. But when I went to the Doctor I found out that I was insulin resistant . And my colesteral (misspelled) is a bit high. I have take meds for those two things. Now I am trying on my own with MFP's. I have had more encouragement then from any friends or family. I haven't lost any weight but I think I am just in this, my body is hanging on too the fat with a death grip at the moment but I should start losing soon I hope. I am walking on my treadmill at home for now until I can afford to get my membership at the gym again, so I can do the weights and other things at the gym.
    I am not wanting to lose weight for vanity, just for me and feeling better and a whole lot less pain in my legs and back hopefully. Also so I can do things with my grand kids that they like to do like run and hike and swim and not be uncomfortable in a swimsuit.
  • sherrylynn56
    sherrylynn56 Posts: 31
    you are right on that scale. And so many look down on you if you are heavy in any way. And I for one get tired of all the looks. So I am trying to lose and feel better for ME and no one else. So you loose the weight for you and you will be a lot happier for you. Good Luck :bigsmile:
  • ellen_kay
    ellen_kay Posts: 304 Member
    I did. I started out to lose weight AND be healthy. Now my main focus is health and the weight loss is a perk of that along with the feeling better, more energy, better attitude etc.

    I wish more could realize this is the best way to live.
  • louiselebeau
    louiselebeau Posts: 220 Member
    I have to be somewhat physically okay for my job. I always barely pass the test. I want to beat that test and make it my gardening tool. Then I want to be able to open a can of whoop behind whenever I want.


    I am in charge of felons in a kitchen as a sergeant. Male ones... that work out compulsively and can throw 60 lb boxes straight up 7 feet. I have some serious work to do.
  • sherrylynn56
    sherrylynn56 Posts: 31
    Congrats to you . The people around you are just blind or they are big time jelous (misspelled) and wish they had the guts to do what you are doing for you self. Keep it up. Let them eat their heart out .: bigsmile:
  • sherrylynn56
    sherrylynn56 Posts: 31
    I hear you and AGREE 100%.: flowerforyou:
  • MercenaryNoetic26
    MercenaryNoetic26 Posts: 2,747 Member
    I lost it for both..But damn it feels good to be gangstahhh:)

    Agreed. Reminds me of Office Space^ lol
  • ksmiley412
    ksmiley412 Posts: 274 Member
    I am doing it to feel good about myself whi cares if its for vanity or health as long as it makes you happy
    For me nothing taste as good as skinny feels.
  • A_Fit_Mom
    A_Fit_Mom Posts: 602 Member
    Honestly? Mainly for vanity. I didn't start off extremely overweight..I was a size 12. I just want to look like I have in the past..when i was skinny/fit and was comfortable with myself. (i am already feeling more comfortable) When you have been there before, It makes you even "hungrier" to get back to it.

    Now that I have changed my eating habits and exercise regularly, I love the health benefits as well. Once I get to goal...I know the health benefits will outweigh everything. So I will continue to exercise regularly and eat well.
  • MysticRealm
    MysticRealm Posts: 1,264 Member
    I'm doing it for strictly vanity reasons. Nothing wrong with it. I am currently in the healthy range of weight anyways.
  • SteelySunshine
    SteelySunshine Posts: 1,092 Member
    Health. I can't afford vanity. I am happy for those that chose vanity though. I think it is a great reason to lose weight as long as it doesn't drive one to an ED or doing other unhealthy things to lose.

    I wish I could say vanity for myself. But, realistically I know that even when I get to a healthy weight I am still going to look freakish. I have a very large frame and I am short. My shoulders just aren't going to go anywhere no matter how much I lose I will look like I am wearing shoulder pads. And I still won't be able to just go and buy a bracelet that will fit me. But, I will be happy to be able to buy clothes in a normal store and it will be nice to be able to buy women's sweats instead of men's.
  • Cocozest
    Cocozest Posts: 28 Member
    I was diagnosed with pcos, with pcos comes a higher chance of being infertile and diabetic. Although im young, I've always wanted kids.. I always kid that I could never see nyself with kids vut if it comes true, I think it'll be devastating for me.

    :) with weight loss comes with looking as a sexy beast too :p
  • LongHornHoney
    LongHornHoney Posts: 6 Member
    Both!
  • rebekahheiner
    rebekahheiner Posts: 38 Member
    Started out with the thought of looking hot in a bikini this summer. Now I work out because it makes me happy...the looking hot in a bikini is just an extra perk. ;)
  • SilverLotusGirl
    SilverLotusGirl Posts: 537 Member
    Both?

    I'm losing weight because it is making my health suffer. I want to lower my blood pressure and fasting blood sugar and waist circumference and over all body fat.

    I'm also losing weight because there is a certain look I'm after and I'm not going to get it without losing weight.

    So both and one reason is no more valid than the other.
  • Lunachic77
    Lunachic77 Posts: 434 Member
    Initially, for vanity. But then as time progressed, I liked how good I felt. Then I started making better choices in my foods. So now it's more for my health and wellbeing.
  • KPMP1992
    KPMP1992 Posts: 66
    I'm losing weight mainly for health reasons, and because I know what my "feel good" weight is (and this ain't it). ;)
  • determinedbutlazy
    determinedbutlazy Posts: 1,941 Member
    Both. And sex. I don't know if that comes under health or vanity.
  • melb_alex
    melb_alex Posts: 1,154 Member
    the general consensus is bit of both...

    You need to think of it like this....'Being healthy and fit is within our control and imperative as it's a necessity; why not look hot as whilst doing so?'

    That's my mentality.

    I lost a lot of weight a year ago due to a significant amount of stress in my life (I am talking dropping 8 kilos in a matter of weeks I was SKINNY- UNHEALTHY) I am almost at the same size but muscly and actually eat and have consistent workouts.
  • EDesq
    EDesq Posts: 1,527 Member
    See, this is GREAT! When a perk is looking good, and that is sooo true. Because in the end it is and will ALWAYS be about HEALTH!!!

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