It can't just be me...

Kolohe71 · January 2011

Does anyone else look at their "Healthy Weight" and think to themselves... That is WAY to skinny?

When I started my weight loss program I was at about #230 (now #222) and my goal is to get to #190-195. However, according to my BMI, my healthy weight should be below #180.

This is exactly what I weighed when my wife and I were first married. But when I look at those pictures all I can think is that I look way too skinny.

Should I really aim for the #180 mark, or should I aim for the weight where I look and feel the most comfortable even though technically it puts me in the "Overweight" catagory?

JenCM · January 2011

I can't give you much advice, but I can sympathize because my ideal weight is about 104 lbs! Now personally, do NOT see myself ever weighing that. It's so tiny. I want to be smaller and thin and healthy, but not that small! I personally feel like I'd be good between 145-155, which still makes me technically "overweight". I just know I'm probably always going to be more "meaty"...lol. *shrug* But I know I'll be healthier at 155 or even 170, than I am where I am now!!

jennylynn84 · January 2011

I think most guys have this issue. My dad and my husband thought the same thing. As for husband, he's now in the healthy range and he's pretty thin, but I wouldn't say overly skinny.

If you're going for a very muscular look and intend to bulk up, you might find yourself always on the outskirts.

I also read somewhere that the farther away a person is from their healthy weight, the higher they think a healthy weight actually is for them. So you might feel differently as you approach it.

ashlee954 · January 2011

That's a tricky one. While BMI isn't always the most accurate way to measure obesity (body types are different) it does help to determine the body's ability to function properly with a certain amount of weight on it. Honestly, I would discuss this with your physician and he/she can tell you what weight your body should be to function at its optimum.

skynyrdchick · January 2011

I say go for your goal weight first and then see how you feel! If it is fine for you, maintain it and don't go thinner. If you think you'd like to lose a little more to get to what they say is "healthy" go for it

)

Aeriel · January 2011

When I first seriously thought about losing weight, I looked at myself and said, there is no way I can lose 50 pounds and not be a stick. Where would 50 pounds be "hiding" on me? :huh:

Boy, was I delusional!!! :noway: The 50 pounds are gone now, plus a few and I feel great, but I can definitely see now where the extra 10 pounds are hiding that I still want to lose to be in the middle or slightly higher of a normal BMI for my height. Our minds have deluded us for so long that no, we are not really that heavy....we are just stocky, or have a few pounds to lose, or clothes are being cut smaller....the list goes on.

Your mind will retrain itself, it will just take time. And remember, 180 pounds of "out of shape" looks worse than 190 pounds of lean muscle and toned. You might weigh more, but you might still look better. It all depends on how you tackle your program. Good luck!

snockers3112 · January 2011

I used to feel fantastic at 145lbs which for my height of 5'6" is at the higher end of a healthy weight, nearer to overweight! I could never see myself down to something like 125/130 - it just wouldn't look right on my frame.

jimmydeanbakker · January 2011

Should I really aim for the #180 mark, or should I aim for the weight where I look and feel the most comfortable even though technically it puts me in the "Overweight" catagory?

There are some other factors that can determine obesity; however, I would say shoot for the 180 pound mark. If you have any fat that hangs over your belt buckle, then you're pretty much over weight, even if you're within your BMI range.

catcrazy · January 2011

Thats where the BMI is seriously flawed. I'm a medium to large frame going on my wrist and elbow measurements taken when i was 11 stone. I liked the way I looked at 11 stone but its only just in the normal range. When I was 9 stone I looked like a pair of t!ts on a stick! My friend is an inch taller than me but her wrist and elbow measurements are a lot smaller than mine and she would have looked pretty bad at 11 stone. Look online for frame size guides (elbow and wrist), they dont apply if you have a lot of weight to lose but if youre within a couple of stone then it will give you your frame size

theatr3geek · January 2011

When I first seriously thought about losing weight, I looked at myself and said, there is no way I can lose 50 pounds and not be a stick. Where would 50 pounds be "hiding" on me? :huh:

Boy, was I delusional!!! :noway: The 50 pounds are gone now, plus a few and I feel great, but I can definitely see now where the extra 10 pounds are hiding that I still want to lose to be in the middle or slightly higher of a normal BMI for my height. Our minds have deluded us for so long that no, we are not really that heavy....we are just stocky, or have a few pounds to lose, or clothes are being cut smaller....the list goes on.

Your mind will retrain itself, it will just take time. And remember, 180 pounds of "out of shape" looks worse than 190 pounds of lean muscle and toned. You might weigh more, but you might still look better. It all depends on how you tackle your program. Good luck!

You are so right!
I was in the 160's and I am 5'3'' so my "normal" weight is anywhere from the low 100's to the 130's I couldn't tell where weight would go! I knew I was chubby, but I didn't think I was that overweight. You don't realize where all of the pounds can pack on. I am now 118 and I feel SO much healthier and I feel so much better (plus, i STILL think I could lose more!) It really depends on the person and as you approach your goal, I think you'll feel differently.

It can't just be me...

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