I have a 25 inch waist. Why do I still feel like a whale?

I'm 28, 5'6 133 lbs 34-25-35. Everyone says I'm thin but I'm in the middle of my weight range (114-154 lbs). I feel as if I'd need to lose 10-15 lbs more to be thin. I started at 143 lbs 36-26.5-36.5. I look at women like Michelle Dockery on Downton Abbey and wish I could be that skinny ):

Replies

  • tabicatinthehat
    tabicatinthehat Posts: 329 Member
    Easy. You have self-image issues. That'll be $150.
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
    2nd body image issues. I have a 26 inch waist BTW (true waist) and I"m 5'7, 175lbs. Meaning that healthy weight ranges aren't universal. If I were within the "healthy range" for my height, I'd have to sacrifice muscle, which I don't even have a significant amount of yet.

    I'd say look into therapy to help overcome your body image issues/BDD.
  • carolineat111
    carolineat111 Posts: 97 Member
    I agree, self image issues. Don't think that's a mean comment either, I'm right there with you in a lot of ways.

    I took have a tiny, tiny waist. I carry all my weight in my hips and thighs.

    To move past my "issues" I've been focusing on gaining strength and muscle and completely ignoring the number on the scale.

    Bonus - the strength and weight training has given me some more muscle and made my bust bigger (haha yes!! lol).

    I'm 5'10" 161lbs, bust is 36, waist is 24, hips...well...lol.
  • williams969
    williams969 Posts: 2,528 Member
    Try this "Get wise about your size" little quiz: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758

    Hint: I did it for you already, with your measurements. You're already smaller than the smallest person in that lineup. You're already very slim, we "see" it, without even looking at you.

    You'll have to get your mind to catch up to your body. If that means talking to a professional about it, please do so. That's what help is for.
  • liznotyet
    liznotyet Posts: 402 Member
    How's your core strength? Posture and self-confidence are interdependent. Size is irrelevant if you can't use your body the way you want.
  • tofufingers
    tofufingers Posts: 21 Member
    I feel you!!! We are very similar in height and proportions; I'm 5'6" and I'm 34-23-36.

    For a long time, I felt like a whale too even though people said otherwise.
    I have struggled with body issues for years, and they don't go away even when you've reached your goal.

    I hope that you see how beautiful and fit you already are! No one else can convince you but yourself <3
  • 365andstillalive
    365andstillalive Posts: 663 Member
    I'm 28, 5'6 133 lbs 34-25-35. Everyone says I'm thin but I'm in the middle of my weight range (114-154 lbs). I feel as if I'd need to lose 10-15 lbs more to be thin. I started at 143 lbs 36-26.5-36.5. I look at women like Michelle Dockery on Downton Abbey and wish I could be that skinny ):

    Really, it's all in your body image. You don't have a picture for us to really give you a judgment, but I will say that those sound like ideal measurements. I mean, you're the hourglass shape that only 2% of the population is and you're at a really healthy weight. If you're unhappy with your body, now I'd say is the time to look into strength training, not more weight loss (but again, I don't know what type of frame you have, your bf%, etc).

    And if it helps, any time you feel like a whale, think of the pear shaped people like me with our 42 inch hips (I love mine, but the measurement does give me the heebie-jeebies some days).
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Stop comparing yourself to women you see in the media. They have a whole team of people to make them look the way they do. Most magazine photos are airbrushed, and the women on t.v. and in the movies have wardrobe specialists, plus clever camera angles, to make them look skinnier than they do in real life (I haven't seen Downton Abbey, but it's very possible that the actresses wear corsets for the look and authenticity, that was a common wardrobe staple until around the 1920s.)

    Also keep in mind that skinny =/= healthy. I agree that you may need to find someone to help you address body image issues. In my experience, until you learn to love yourself as you are (however it is that you are), no amount of skinny will help you feel better.
  • SandyBVTN
    SandyBVTN Posts: 367 Member
    Try this "Get wise about your size" little quiz: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758

    Hint: I did it for you already, with your measurements. You're already smaller than the smallest person in that lineup. You're already very slim, we "see" it, without even looking at you.

    You'll have to get your mind to catch up to your body. If that means talking to a professional about it, please do so. That's what help is for.

    Thank you for this link! It was very enlightening!

    I always get a jolt of sadness and anxiety when I hear women refer to themselves as "whales," especially women so much smaller than I. Language is so powerful.
  • LeonXC
    LeonXC Posts: 68
    I could sent you a full body picture of myself. Perhaps then you would come back to reality.
  • 365andstillalive
    365andstillalive Posts: 663 Member
    Try this "Get wise about your size" little quiz: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758

    Hint: I did it for you already, with your measurements. You're already smaller than the smallest person in that lineup. You're already very slim, we "see" it, without even looking at you.

    You'll have to get your mind to catch up to your body. If that means talking to a professional about it, please do so. That's what help is for.

    This was actually really neat. I took the quiz and found out what I thought: I'm pretty spot on about my size. I'm 2.5% smaller than I think I am apparently haha.

    Interesting and totally worth the two minutes.
  • bjg2993
    bjg2993 Posts: 107
    Body dysmorphia.

    I'm the same, people tell me I'm too thin and I think I'm still "fat", and the thing is, it seems to get worse with the more weight I lose. The only way I've genuinely got over it was when I stopped caring about my weight - and then I ended up gaining a lot, until I realised when I compared to everyone else I knew I was "fat" and my weight reflected that too.

    I'm just trying to change my attitude towards myself and forcing myself to see the good rather than the bad, and then perhaps one day I won't constantly scrutinise myself. And stop comparing myself to everyone else. I think that's a good first step at least, and probably the hardest one to make.
  • melduf
    melduf Posts: 468 Member
    Try this "Get wise about your size" little quiz: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758

    Hint: I did it for you already, with your measurements. You're already smaller than the smallest person in that lineup. You're already very slim, we "see" it, without even looking at you.

    You'll have to get your mind to catch up to your body. If that means talking to a professional about it, please do so. That's what help is for.

    Wow that quizz is great!!! I'm 7,5% smaller than I think! I was afraid of the oposit :laugh:
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
    Try this "Get wise about your size" little quiz: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758

    Hint: I did it for you already, with your measurements. You're already smaller than the smallest person in that lineup. You're already very slim, we "see" it, without even looking at you.

    You'll have to get your mind to catch up to your body. If that means talking to a professional about it, please do so. That's what help is for.

    Interesting link! I'm apparently 7.5% smaller than I think I am haha.
  • williams969
    williams969 Posts: 2,528 Member
    Try this "Get wise about your size" little quiz: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758

    Hint: I did it for you already, with your measurements. You're already smaller than the smallest person in that lineup. You're already very slim, we "see" it, without even looking at you.

    You'll have to get your mind to catch up to your body. If that means talking to a professional about it, please do so. That's what help is for.

    Wow that quizz is great!!! I'm 7,5% smaller than I think! I was afraid of the oposit :laugh:

    True story, I'm "bigger" than I think (5%). :indifferent: :laugh: No worries--just means I have a fit and healthy mentality (body will catch up, eventually). I just keep working on being the best *me*.

    And to all of you--working on being a better version of you is what makes us ALL beautiful and awesome!
  • afortunatedragon
    afortunatedragon Posts: 329 Member
    This is great.
    I am 10% smaller than I think I am and have the perfect hourglass figure.

    Day saved. :bigsmile:
  • katkins73
    katkins73 Posts: 416 Member
    OMG It said I am 17½% smaller than I think I am :noway: Wow I hope it is true :laugh:
  • tabicatinthehat
    tabicatinthehat Posts: 329 Member
    Wow 22.5% smaller thank I think I am. lol. See. Body image issues everywhere! It also called me hourglass and I am DEF an apple.
  • F00LofaT00K
    F00LofaT00K Posts: 688 Member
    Often times people reach their goal weight but are unsatisfied with their body composition. The term "skinny-fat" is often used to describe what I'm talking about. Maybe somebody only weighs 120 and they're 5'3", but they have minimal muscle, therefor much of their weight is still from fat. Have you considered doing some research on body composition and lifting some weights? I'm not super familiar with what you would need to do, but if "skinny-fat" is your issue, perhaps this would help.

    Another issue I see is people who think once they lose the weight, their body shape will change. If you store weight in certain areas of your body, that's where you store it. You may be a healthy weight but still have a small tummy because that's where your body stores weight. Have you ever seen obese people who have slim legs and carry all of their weight in their stomach and arms? Once they reach a healthy weight, they will still have very thin legs compared to the rest of their body. Perhaps you are unsatisfied with your body shape, in which case there's not much you can do to change that short of building some muscle in the smaller areas to "even it out" so to speak.
  • HeidiGrrrl
    HeidiGrrrl Posts: 81 Member
    I just took that little quiz (had to make up a place in the UK to be from, though), and it turns out I think I'm thinner than I actually am! Now, there's MY bummer for the day! :-(
  • craftergin
    craftergin Posts: 25 Member
    Try this "Get wise about your size" little quiz: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758

    Hint: I did it for you already, with your measurements. You're already smaller than the smallest person in that lineup. You're already very slim, we "see" it, without even looking at you.

    You'll have to get your mind to catch up to your body. If that means talking to a professional about it, please do so. That's what help is for.

    Thank you SO much for sharing this link! I am 12.5% smaller that I thought I was. I have an "Athletic" build in that I am a rectangle. I like that! Very cool!
  • stephe1987
    stephe1987 Posts: 406 Member
    It sounds like you could be one of those people who weighs more than they look. My cousin is like that. I remember when she was a baby she looked normal but when you picked her up she was really heavy. Your measurements are the same as actresses and models so I don't think you need to lose more weight. If you want to you could lose the 10-15 pounds and still be in the healthy range... but there's a 50/50 chance of it looking great on you or it making you start to look underweight. If you want to lose more, lose it slowly so you can see how your body adjusts. My cousin lost a lot of weight when she got sick and she looked sickly even though some people complimented her on her weight loss.
  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    Remember, those images from those mags are PHOTOSHOPPED.... You cannot compete with Photoshop. You are healthy. Keep working out and start looking at yourself differently. Begin by telling yourself daily that you look good... Do continue to work out but with the purpose of maintaining what you have and being healthy... Not to attain the unattainable. You don't want to be "skinny"... You want to be healthy...There is a difference.

    You are a person of value. See yourself that way. Reject negative thoughts and keep telling yourself that you have a nice body and that you are "lookin' good"... Best wishes. This is a difficult thing to achieve, especially for young women because the advertising industry has been lying to you for decades.
  • smuggle
    smuggle Posts: 6 Member
    I guess I have some serious body image issues to 15% smaller than I thought I was. Perfect Pear, this I knew. Would rather be spaghetti
  • Miss_1999
    Miss_1999 Posts: 747 Member
    Try this "Get wise about your size" little quiz: http://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/freeformat/page.action?pageId=7758

    Hint: I did it for you already, with your measurements. You're already smaller than the smallest person in that lineup. You're already very slim, we "see" it, without even looking at you.

    You'll have to get your mind to catch up to your body. If that means talking to a professional about it, please do so. That's what help is for.

    Sadly enough, even with losing 175lbs, I my results were: you are exactly what you think you are...you are exactly what you think you are...

    YOU ARE THE PERFECT HOURGLASS
    Hourglass: A smaller mid-section with a fuller bust and wider hips. The famous hourglass figure is all about curves, so go for outfits that really show off your shape. Scooped necklines and V-necks will frame your shoulders and bust beautifully, while a belt at the waist creates a great central focal point between your shoulders and hips. Think 1950s glamour, A-line skirts and fitted tops to create a stunning outfit for any occasion. If you're looking for something more casual, a pair of straight-legged jeans is a great option to maintain the definition around your hips and legs.


    I picked the next to last body, only because the LAST body was what I looked like *before* l lost 175lbs.
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,623 Member
    Often times people reach their goal weight but are unsatisfied with their body composition. The term "skinny-fat" is often used to describe what I'm talking about. Maybe somebody only weighs 120 and they're 5'3", but they have minimal muscle, therefor much of their weight is still from fat. Have you considered doing some research on body composition and lifting some weights? I'm not super familiar with what you would need to do, but if "skinny-fat" is your issue, perhaps this would help.

    Another issue I see is people who think once they lose the weight, their body shape will change. If you store weight in certain areas of your body, that's where you store it. You may be a healthy weight but still have a small tummy because that's where your body stores weight. Have you ever seen obese people who have slim legs and carry all of their weight in their stomach and arms? Once they reach a healthy weight, they will still have very thin legs compared to the rest of their body. Perhaps you are unsatisfied with your body shape, in which case there's not much you can do to change that short of building some muscle in the smaller areas to "even it out" so to speak.

    Yep, this was me when I first lost weight at 19 years old. 145lbs, 5'7, size 6... but flabby stomach and my arms were still kind of flabby (I carry a lot of excess weight in my upper arms, yay genetics!). Looking back at pics where I used to think I looked good, now I'm like "eew, so flaaabby" because I am determined to reach more of a bodybuilding aesthetic. i'm heavier now, 175, yet I'm only about a size larger (although my butt and thighs are much more muscular now, so those have skewed how bottoms and even dresses fit me) but 30lbs heavier. Body composition is so much more important than just black and white numbers.
  • nykismile
    nykismile Posts: 198
    I wish I had your waist! I'm 5'5.5", 112 lbs and I have a 26.5 inch waist. It's just the way I'm built, though. I'll never have an hourglass shape, and that'll always bother me, but I try not to dwell on it as much as I have in the past. Try looking at all the little accomplishments you've made so far. Instead of beating myself up for having a larger ribcage or broad shoulders, I'll remind myself that I am stronger now, fitter, and by far healthier.

    Being skinny won't make you happy. Only you can make you happy.
  • intrepidelephant
    intrepidelephant Posts: 100 Member
    I agree, self image issues. Don't think that's a mean comment either, I'm right there with you in a lot of ways.

    I took have a tiny, tiny waist. I carry all my weight in my hips and thighs.

    To move past my "issues" I've been focusing on gaining strength and muscle and completely ignoring the number on the scale.

    Bonus - the strength and weight training has given me some more muscle and made my bust bigger (haha yes!! lol).

    I'm 5'10" 161lbs, bust is 36, waist is 24, hips...well...lol.

    I have an outdoor job which burns a ton of calories. Lots of lifting, and aerobic stuff (pushing an 80 lb mower around 3 hours a day is better than the gym). I never go to the gym. Too tired. Work 12 hours a day. My body fat is about 21% according to my fancy scale. It used to be around 23%