What are some good reasons to be thin?

Health
Comfort
Vanity
Because you want to

kelly39014 wrote: »

As opposed to being overweight just looking for some extra motivation!

As someone who has been overweight 75% of their life, I can say this with some measure of confidence. There *are* reasons to be 'thin'. But to an overweight person, 'thin' is what the rest of the world calls 'normal'. Most overweight people are not trying to become underweight. Me @ 150 lbs, in a size 12, is 'thin' to someone who is 300 lbs in a size 24.

What has becoming NORMAL done for me?

Yes, I've had a huge number of health benefits - my high cholesterol was completely resolved, my insulin resistance retreated, my periods became normal again (first time in over 20 years). I have blood work done annually (about 15 vials of blood at a time) to confirm that I am staying healthy.

But there are a lot of NSV's (non-scale victories) that go with it. I'm more confident that my body can handle random physical exertion. People invite me to do athletic things with them, without fear that I'm going to hold the rest of the group back. This includes things like rock-climbing, hiking, camping, ice-skating. I may not be any good at it, but I'm *included* now.

I learned to ride a motorcycle. I spontaneously ran upstairs without thinking. I can find clothes in almost any store, even a thrift shop, that don't cost an arm & a leg. I was on my way to the gym once, and realized I'd forgotten a shirt. It was cheaper for me to run by Plato's closet and grab a shirt out of the dollar bin than it was to spend the gas to drive home & get one I already owned.

I can sit in the middle seat on an airplane and not feel like I'm in a torture device. People who sit next to me are relieved to see me because they know they'll have room. People (both men & women) hold doors open for me. I can cross my legs - even twice (wrapping my foot around my ankle after my legs are crossed). This is especially nice when I'm cold. I am *comfortable* in 85-90 degree temps. I spent all summer outside by the pool with friends in a bathing suit.

I can walk around in high heels for several hours without too much discomfort. (They have to be good shoes, but still). I have *chair* on either side of me when I sit down. I'm willing to buy more expensive fitted clothing (like coats) because I will actually wear it year after year. Yet I spend less money on clothes overall because my wardrobe stays the same size year after year. The CIO of my company (a woman) complimented my style!

It has done *wonders* for my career. I am taken seriously now, and have doubled and almost tripled my income in the last five years! (I lost most of my weight 8-9 years ago). I have always been a rockstar at work, but I never got the support that I needed to move ahead until I reached a normal size. All because I fit in, because I look good. That's not health - that's appearance, and it *does* count.

jgnatca wrote: »

BZAH, I got there with a LOT of help, not just lifestyle changes. I have a team assigned to me including a Dietitian, a Physio therapist, a Psychologist, and a Surgeon. I had gastric bypass surgery this past summer, losing 40 lbs before surgery and now 40 lbs afterwards. Your mom is right to be concerned if she can do this on her own.

But, YOU still had to do the actual work! I really can't meddle too much when it comes to my mom. It just strikes me when I see examples like you who DID overcome so much, even though it took some assistance from others. The end result is a healthier you, and that's all that matters.

Avoiding death for as long as possible.

I_Will_End_You wrote: »

Well I find when I'm at my fittest and healthiest, I'm thin. Or lean, if you prefer. I don't understand what's wrong with the word thin.

There's nothing wrong with being thin if that's what's healthy for your body. I think most people were just saying that "thin" is incidental -- it shouldn't be the primary goal. "Fit" or "healthy" should be the primary goal.

jgnatca wrote: »

BZAH, I got there with a LOT of help, not just lifestyle changes. I have a team assigned to me including a Dietitian, a Physio therapist, a Psychologist, and a Surgeon. I had gastric bypass surgery this past summer, losing 40 lbs before surgery and now 40 lbs afterwards. Your mom is right to be concerned if she can do this on her own.

We each do what works for us. I don't have a team assigned to me (since I didn't have bypass surgery) but I'm determined to lose over 100 pounds. Including what I lost prior to finding MFP, I'm close to 60 down right now. Losing another 50 will happen. That's what's so great about being able to use MFP, IMO, the tools are free and the process works!

I think her mom CAN do it on her own, if she has the right mindset.

I don't to be thin. I am going for athleticism and maximizing strength, power, explosiveness, quickness, and speed. Cannot hit all those goals while being thin.

willrun4bagels wrote: »

I appreciate the compliment, but I am still 34lbs overweight for my height.

If you're basing that on BMI, you should know that it's notoriously inaccurate for anyone with a low body fat percentage.

There are so many for being healthy not thin and just to make someone think or smile Skinny has one disadvantage when it comes to winter you are freezing compared to others. Not a reason to be obese but to stay in healthy range not thin or skinny

ucabucca wrote: »

There are so many for being healthy not thin and just to make someone think or smile Skinny has one disadvantage when it comes to winter you are freezing compared to others. Not a reason to be obese but to stay in healthy range not thin or skinny

I've always hated the heat and loved the cold, even in my "thin" days. Besides, cold weather always has the option of adding more layers. Whereas hot weather, there's only so many layers you can take off.

segacs wrote: »

willrun4bagels wrote: »

I appreciate the compliment, but I am still 34lbs overweight for my height.

If you're basing that on BMI, you should know that it's notoriously inaccurate for anyone with a low body fat percentage.

Yup... I am quite sure I don't fit into the category of persons with low BF%.

Avoiding diabetes keeps me motivated. I really don't want to have to poke my fingers to check my blood sugar.

For me I get sleep apnea if I weight too much and my family has a history of metabolic syndrome so those are good reasons for me.

beertrollruss wrote: »

Avoiding diabetes keeps me motivated. I really don't want to have to poke my fingers to check my blood sugar.

As a needle phobic, I'd agree with you. The incidence of Type 2 Diabetes among younger adults is alarming. I really don't want this to happen to me.

I like the replacing thin with healthy part.

For men extra belly fat can double hear attack risk. It just makes sense to be at a healthy weight.

For me a big part of losing my excess weight is for the purpose of athletic performance. 20 pounds will have a huge impact on my running times. Can't wait to run my next marathon 20 pounds down. Not only will I be faster but it will be so much better on my joints.

Confidence is a big factor as well. Seeing my gut disappear is a huge boost!