How do you pick your target weight?

Hi,

As the topic suggests, I'm having trouble selecting a target weight. Having a target is important to me for motivation purposes - as well as a time limit. I really need deadlines and targets.

Anyway, I'm currently 69kg or 151 pounds. I was originally thinking of a target of 65kg, however when I input my height and target weight into BMI calculators, that puts me on the very upper edge of normal.

58kg (127 pounds) puts me roughly in the middle of the normal weight range however that just seems so tiny.

The last time I was around 58kg was when I was in high school and still had some growing to do.

So what does everyone think?

Current stats:

Height: 163cm - 5 foot 3
Age: 28
Current :69kg or 151 pounds

I'm 6 months post partem if that makes a difference.

107 for me, Female, 5' 3"
I am using Dr. Joel Fuhrman's guide for my ideal height. He does emphasize being on the leaner end of your weight range vs. in the middle.

Here is his formula from his book, "Eat to Live":

For Men: 105 lb for the first 5 ft; 5 lb for each inch over 5 ft

For Women: 95 lb for the first 5 ft; 4 lb for each inch over 5 ft

I have always hovered around 125+ with enough to spare so I am excited as I am working my way to the lean version of me.

Have you been to China? What parts? Just to be clear, there are as many body structure types in China as there are Chinese, and likewise the same is true in the US. On a whole, however, the Chinese version of a "healthy" target weight is probably always towards lower end of what Americans consider an ideal healthy range. My point is that many average-framed Chinese illustrate you can be healthy at the "low weight" of your "ideal" range. On paper it might sound "too skinny" or impossible to achieve, but fleshed out on a person, it isn't.

As I have also said many-a-time and for the last time--OP has to evaluate for herself what is *her* ideal. This isn't a one-size answer but an answer. She is just asking others to put their targets out for reference. Mine just happens to be getting the most flack as it is the lowest. Each to her own.

And yes, I still have a womanly form. My husband wouldn't have it otherwise. :-D

At 6'3" I'm pretty sure I would look emaciated at 155 pounds. I'm not sure this equation works for people who are taller people.

For five foot three (which I am too) your ideal weight would be about 53 kg, which is 116lbs. It might seem like nothing but that's actually the healthiest you could be and it's attainable in time. Or just stop once you feel comfortable with yourself AND are within the healthy range.

You simply cannot sustain the weight you were at puberty, especially if you have spent the intervening years giving birth, overweight, sedentary etc.

107 for me, Female, 5' 3"
I am using Dr. Joel Fuhrman's guide for my ideal height. He does emphasize being on the leaner end of your weight range vs. in the middle.

Here is his formula from his book, "Eat to Live":

For Men: 105 lb for the first 5 ft; 5 lb for each inch over 5 ft

For Women: 95 lb for the first 5 ft; 4 lb for each inch over 5 ft

I have always hovered around 125+ with enough to spare so I am excited as I am working my way to the lean version of me.

laughs insanely at the thought of being 131lb - at 5'9" - I havent been that light since I was in primary school. Honestly - the total generalisation of 'this is what you should be' is both funny and so annoying. I am now 12 stone - or 168lbs. If I get much thinner I will look like a carthorse that has been starved... not a look I think is very attractive and I would have to STARVE to get to that suggested weight.

Please take all such advice with a large pinch of salt - and go for a weight that is healthy but obtainable as we all know that if it means starvation, deprivation and excessive exercise, 99% of us will give up very quickly.

I have to agree with this. I have always been fit and I am currently at the slimmest I have ever been since I was 16.

I could only stay under 150lb at 5'9 with constant starvation and misery. Some people thought I was too skinny, others said I looked great. Either way, 5-10lb heavier I'm a much happier bunny, can maintain my weight eating large quantities of food as I love to do, have the energy to work out and lift heavy weights AND I am still slim. Furthermore I have built a good amount of muscle mass that I'm not parting with in a hurry just to make some arbitrary 'lean' target.

Not everyone is built with a tiny frame and little muscle mass so I don't think comparisons with women in China are necessarily helpful.

To the OP I think it's good to start with your first target. Get there, evaluate how you feel and look and decide if you'd like to go lower. If you want to, and it doesn't involve superhuman effort and deprivation I'd say go for it, otherwise stay there and be happy.

Another thing to consider--for the women--if you can remember roughly what you weighed when you started having your period, that is a good number to shoot for. For me, that also happens to be around my target of 107. As long as that system works, it's your body's proof you are at a healthy weight.

I do think comparing how people actually are from other parts of the world is helpful--it is a dose of reality--that what we might think is "too skinny" is actually the norm, and healthy. (Misconception: Not all Chinese women are small framed--many are completely average, and even "big boned" the farther north you go...)

I agree, reevaluate as you go and stick with a number you can be happy (eat and feel satisfied) with.