When to stop

littlemili
littlemili Posts: 625 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I was wondering if anyone else has no idea what weight they want to be. I picked 115 because it's a great BMI for my height and I know other people of this weight and height who look great there. However, the closer I get the more obvious it becomes that I will need to be considerably lighter to look acceptable. My BMI is 23.0 and my weight at 122 is something I'm sure many would envy, but my stomach and upper thighs are revolting, I mean really really gross (my shoulders and face are ok though). It's not like my fat-muscle ratio is bad either because I am naturally very muscular, especially in my legs, and my body fat is fine (room for improvement of course).

The question is, how do I even know what to aim for? In my mind I am still closer to my start point than where I want to be in terms of appearance. I don't want this to be some endless quest for perfection because, let's be honest, unless I actually have an end goal then I'll probably give up, or go back into ED habits and crash and burn. And how is it that my weight, BMI and body fat % (which make sense as a group) completely contradict what I look like?

Replies

  • Cilenia
    Cilenia Posts: 208 Member
    They dont, it takes a long long time for us to adjust the image we have of ourselves when we look in the mirror. Its hard to look at ourselves and see the accomplishments we have reached
  • Cmccracken1
    Cmccracken1 Posts: 326 Member
    i think sometimes our perception of ourselves is much different from how other percieve us.. where we might think we have a gross looking tummy, it's more us being too harsh than the actual tummy. i am 7 lbs from my goal weight of 170. having a hard time takeing the last of it off, but if you were to ask my sister (who has a history of being brutally honest with me) i am right where i need to be. so take it for what its worth, work on your tone if you dont like your shape in a certain area, dont obsess about the lbs.
  • Black_Swan
    Black_Swan Posts: 770 Member
    If you had ED habits it MIGHT be that you could have some problems with your own self-image. So it is good that you are asking about this!
    I think you should maybe set some really fitness goals, and eat healthy, and then Im sure you will look good and even the parts that you dont like will be fine... it just takes more time than starving!
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,297 Member
    I was wondering if anyone else has no idea what weight they want to be. I picked 115 because it's a great BMI for my height and I know other people of this weight and height who look great there. However, the closer I get the more obvious it becomes that I will need to be considerably lighter to look acceptable. My BMI is 23.0 and my weight at 122 is something I'm sure many would envy, but my stomach and upper thighs are revolting, I mean really really gross (my shoulders and face are ok though). It's not like my fat-muscle ratio is bad either because I am naturally very muscular, especially in my legs, and my body fat is fine (room for improvement of course).

    The question is, how do I even know what to aim for? In my mind I am still closer to my start point than where I want to be in terms of appearance. I don't want this to be some endless quest for perfection because, let's be honest, unless I actually have an end goal then I'll probably give up, or go back into ED habits and crash and burn. And how is it that my weight, BMI and body fat % (which make sense as a group) completely contradict what I look like?

    How did you calculate your BF%, most ways are not accurate at all. The issue I'm assuming with the way you look is more in your head and eyes than what anyone else would see. We are our own worst critics.
  • littlemili
    littlemili Posts: 625 Member
    I calculated body fat just using a bunch of measurements and various different calculators. It came out within 2% all times I tried. I know it's partly a body image thing...BUT...my stomach sticks out further than my boobs. That is not body distortion that's just plain old fat. I mean how is that even possible at 122? :(
  • jessp687
    jessp687 Posts: 27 Member
    Hey we are at the same Starting weight Im five feet and my goal weight is 95-100. Maybe you should do some pilates or some other excercises to tone up your body rather than lose weight?
  • M_lifts
    M_lifts Posts: 2,218 Member
    have u looked into doing some toning exercises and concentrating on gaining muscle rather than wanting to lose fat? I am not sure if getting to a particular figure will help if you are struggling with body image. I agree with swan, maybe set some fitness goals and stick to healthy eating rather than concentrating on weight loss?

    Initially i wanted to be 126lbs (9st) but i stopped at 122 (8st 10lbs) which im happy with. my weight fluctuates between 120-123 which im ok with as i have a range of 120-125 to stick to. I have had to accept that i have a pear shape and that will not change no matter how much weight i lose! Now that im maitaining my focus is more on toning and setting new fitness goals etc. Try and think about what you really want to achieve? a particular number on the scale or a healthy attitude towards food and exercise?
  • littlemili
    littlemili Posts: 625 Member
    I eat very well, and I exercise 5-6 days a week. I generally walk 40 minutes each day, plus do either 50 minutes of Jillian Michaels NMTZ or 25-45 mins cardio plus weights. My muscle tone is good but it is literally invisible in places under the fat.

    Thanks Jess, I think maybe your weight is more sensible for me. Actually I started at 141. I am currently 122. :)
  • JennsLosing
    JennsLosing Posts: 1,026 Member
    I calculated body fat just using a bunch of measurements and various different calculators. It came out within 2% all times I tried. I know it's partly a body image thing...BUT...my stomach sticks out further than my boobs. That is not body distortion that's just plain old fat. I mean how is that even possible at 122? :(
    maybe you need to do some strength training if your not already, build up some muscle.
  • JennsLosing
    JennsLosing Posts: 1,026 Member
    I eat very well, and I exercise 5-6 days a week. I generally walk 40 minutes each day, plus do either 50 minutes of Jillian Michaels NMTZ or 25-45 mins cardio plus weights. My muscle tone is good but it is literally invisible in places under the fat.

    Thanks Jess, I think maybe your weight is more sensible for me. Actually I started at 141. I am currently 122. :)
    i read this too late, after i already posted my previous comment.
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