Maintenance Weight

x7plorer
x7plorer Posts: 2
in Goal: Maintaining Weight
Background: I lost some weight two or three years ago, and gradually gained some of it back--not all of it, but enough for it to be not a good thing, and enough for my doctor to notice during my annual physical.

My previous goal weight was in the 145 - 150 pound range. My doctor said she'd like to see me maintain around 160.

The upper 140's, on the charts and just by looking at me and using common sense, seems to be around the middle of my ideal weight range. 160ish seems to be within that range, but somewhat close to the upper end.

My natural, early adult weight, was upper 140's. I like being that weight and feel good, but to be honest, I feel pretty good ANYWHERE from 160ish on down. I'm in my early/mid 50's now, if that matters.

I asked my doctor if 160 would actually be healthier than 147ish. She said, "Who knows? ...But what we DO know is that you'd be better off at the higher 160 mark not yo-yo-ing, than if you get to the lower weight and yo yo."

Of course she's right.

The main idea seems to be that it might be harder to maintain around 147 than around 160.

Current episode aside, I do not have a tendency or history for yo-yo-ing, although I do seem to have enough of a propensity for gradual weight gain that I'll almost certainly need to maintain an awareness of good eating habits and portion sizes for the rest of my life. I have no intention of yo-yo-ing, but of course I'd like to be able to maintain a good weight over the next few decades with less strict diligence rather than more.

So the $64,000 question: Is it really easier to maintain a weight 10 or 15 lbs. more towards the higher end of your ideal weight range, or is it just about as easy to maintain the lower weight as the higher weight?

Replies

  • arrseegee
    arrseegee Posts: 575 Member
    Your doctor is absolutely right, you're better to maintain a stable weight in the higher end of normal than yoyo around trying to achieve a goal that is not maintainable. That said, I think if you are determined to get to your goal weight and you are prepared to work to keep it there then go for it. I suspect for you that maintaining in 145-150 will require you constantly keeping an eye on it, whereas 160 may be easier and less prone to change... but it depends how YOU want to live your life.

    My mother is a similar age and a few years ago she was peri-menopausal and her doctor said to her that if she wanted to lose weight she would be more successful at maintaining it if she got to her goal before her hormones went AWOL, as it can be a lot harder to lose weight after menopause. From what I've heard that seems to be the case, so that may also be a consideration for you in terms of chosing a goal weight. Good luck anyway!
  • x7plorer
    x7plorer Posts: 2
    Aw, that won't be a factor for me, since I'm a guy, but my wife will be sad, being almost exactly at the official end of perimenopause, and struggling a more with her weight than I do. :cry:
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    generally speking the lower your bodyfat the harder you have to work to maintain it... so the doc is right.

    for me its a balance between wanting to look good and wanting to eat cake!

    you just need to find a balance that works for you... enough treats to enjoy yourself, but not too many calories that you gain weight and enough exercise to keep healthy and fit without having to miss out on things because you need to work out!
  • Siansonea
    Siansonea Posts: 917 Member
    What's the TDEE difference in calories between the the two weight values? If it's only a hundred calories or so, then I'd maintain at the lower weight. You can easily cut 100 calories out of your daily total.
  • Ejourneys
    Ejourneys Posts: 1,603 Member
    generally speaking the lower your bodyfat the harder you have to work to maintain it... so the doc is right.

    ^^^This.

    Here's the chart I use. Note that body fat percentage increases as one gets older (I'm 55).
    chart-lg.jpg

    I'm currently in the middle of "ideal" for a woman my age, even though my BMI still shows me as "overweight." Body fat percentage is a much better indication, especially when linked to age.
  • csuhar
    csuhar Posts: 779 Member
    What's the TDEE difference in calories between the the two weight values? If it's only a hundred calories or so, then I'd maintain at the lower weight. You can easily cut 100 calories out of your daily total.

    This would be my main question. A blessing I've enjoyed is that the TDEE for my activity level and size is at about 3000 calories. That gives me a good bit of room to work with, which makes it easier to maintain.

    I would imagine you would also find that the TDEE for a higher, but still healthy, weight may be easier to work with than the more restrictive levels required to maintain a lower weight.

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