Unexpected downsides of losing weight
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The clothing thing has been really interesting. At 10kg-15kg lost I really wasn't seeing a huge amount of difference except that my clothes were looser and far more comfortable. I didn't want to buy new clothes at that stage because I'd just bought a bunch of clothes so I had my favourite jeans taken in... plus I wasn't sure how long it would take me to get to goal - would I fall off the wagon?
When I hit 20kg lost, I finally dropped definitively from a size 18 to the smaller end of an Aussie size 16 and all of my resized jeans were now too large. I started getting a bunch of other clothes resized - because I didn't want to waste them but also because I liked them. I was weirdly between sizes ... Smaller than a size 16 but not quite at size 14 yet.
Now that I'm at 24-25kg lost but not yet at goal weight, I'm fluctuating between Australian sizes and am learning that there is very little consistency between the way the various clothing stores size their products. My top half teeters between an S to an XS (10-12) depending on which clothing line but my waist is still thickish at 75cm (I'm only 150cm tall) and my hips are still wide at 92cm, so from a lower half perspective I vary amongst a size 10-12-14 (small to medium).
Op shops like Salvos have proved to be a total godsend as I'm still in transition phase given that I can get a decent pair of trousers for $5 to $7 and I'll be redonating the clothes that don't fit anymore once I'm at goal weight. I am thrilled beyond belief that a few 'aspirational' items of clothing I bought at the Op shops when I was at the 10-15kg lost phase now fit nicely, so have bought a couple more aspirational items
I am relieved that someone told me to take measurements because seeing dimensions reduce has been almost as rewarding and illuminating as the weight loss itself.
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Hungry_Shopgirl wrote: »I'm practically gaunt in the face and upper body, but still fat in the lower body. People tell me you even out after a couple years but ugh ugh ugh.
I can also see why people comment and think you've lost too much weight when parts of you are all bones.
Yesss the struggle is real. My husband is slightly freaked out that he can see my ribs for the first time but I'm still not even at the lower end of the bmi. Every lb I have left to lose is from my ribs down... First on, last off.
It's a cruel joke. lol0 -
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promisesstandin wrote: »the bummer was I found out I was lowering my metabolism,... i'm on refeed now and not watching the scale. Have already lost 100lbs which I expect to pick up some while my metab resets. I was only around 1,100-1,200 calories intake and didn't realize what I was doing to myself. On the upswing now and redo after my body adjusts metab back up some. BTW: How long will it take to readjust back up? I was on around 1,000 for about 6 months - whereas, my Cutting was supposed to be between 1,184-1,600 depending on which ap you use. Thanks!
If you are talking about adaptive thermogenesis you should start your own thread because it is a subject that only a few people here will have enough knowledge to try and answer your question. I am not one of them. I am aware of it but that is about it.2 -
First I will say that I am not an expert (obviously). I know that starvation mode isn't a thing. But I have a question.
If metabolism is how many calories our bodies burn at rest, and bigger muscles burn more calories at rest, and eating less than the minimum required calories can lower our muscle mass...does it not follow that extreme dieting can lower our "metabolism"?
The solution would obviously be spending time rebuilding our muscle but I just want to make sure my thought process isn't crazy...or maybe it is, who knows2 -
First I will say that I am not an expert (obviously). I know that starvation mode isn't a thing. But I have a question.
If metabolism is how many calories our bodies burn at rest, and bigger muscles burn more calories at rest, and eating less than the minimum required calories can lower our muscle mass...does it not follow that extreme dieting can lower our "metabolism"?
The solution would obviously be spending time rebuilding our muscle but I just want to make sure my thought process isn't crazy...or maybe it is, who knows
Bigger muscles do not burn a significantly higher amount of calories so I do not believe it is part of the equation when your metabolism adjusts down slightly.5 -
First I will say that I am not an expert (obviously). I know that starvation mode isn't a thing. But I have a question.
If metabolism is how many calories our bodies burn at rest, and bigger muscles burn more calories at rest, and eating less than the minimum required calories can lower our muscle mass...does it not follow that extreme dieting can lower our "metabolism"?
The solution would obviously be spending time rebuilding our muscle but I just want to make sure my thought process isn't crazy...or maybe it is, who knows
Bigger muscles do not burn a significantly higher amount of calories so I do not believe it is part of the equation when your metabolism adjusts down slightly.
Fair enough. I just googled it and for 10 pounds of extra muscle you only gain approximately 30 calories burned at rest...not enough for a significant difference. Oh well...it was worth a shot1 -
eringraczyk wrote: »Along with clothes after significant weight loss, there are also some friendships that no longer fit.
Yes, this happened to me when I quit drinking. Friendships, marriage...14 -
reversemigration wrote: »I've really noticed the cold thing, and it's a particularly issue with my hands and feet. It has gotten to the point of pain/numbness/blanching in what I wouldn't have thought of as particularly cold weather.
On the other hand, cold feet are my revenge on my wife, who has been using me for her personal foot warmer for the past nearly three decades.
@reversemigration have you seen your doctor about possible Reynauds?1 -
Some of us, especially those of us who live on little money, get tired of having to buy new clothes. I've dropped 14 sizes, and have gone through at least 3 wardrobes. Even thrift store prices get to become a burden. At this point, I'm scouring 25 cent clothing piles at yard sales, and even yard sale leftovers left outside for free because I can't afford even Community Aid's half-off day prices. I'm still working on my body, and I appreciate the positive changes, but they come with a price.23
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Mexicangreensalsa wrote: »promisesstandin wrote: »the bummer was I found out I was lowering my metabolism,... i'm on refeed now and not watching the scale. Have already lost 100lbs which I expect to pick up some while my metab resets. I was only around 1,100-1,200 calories intake and didn't realize what I was doing to myself. On the upswing now and redo after my body adjusts metab back up some. BTW: How long will it take to readjust back up? I was on around 1,000 for about 6 months - whereas, my Cutting was supposed to be between 1,184-1,600 depending on which ap you use. Thanks!
Good news! You did not "lower your metabolism". That is a myth.
I was just reading a lot of studies last night about thermogenics and weight loss ,.,,which causes many of us to be cold... all of what I read says yes.. by eating at low calories for a long period of time,, you basal metabolic rate slows,., and you have to eat less and less to lose or maintain... and the solution is eating more protein when dieting,..taking diet breaks..and doing refeeds and reverse dieting. oh yeah,. and we should all be lifting heavy too.
If you read through the maintenance forum.. you'll see plenty of people stuck eating 1300 and 1600 calories a day to maintain. No way to live life.6 -
i dunno how you skinny people can sleep on your sides. my knees kill me now if i do, the bones keep rubbing together.6
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For me I definitely noticed being colder. It's kept pretty chilly where I work, and now I need a fleece or jacket all the time.
Less padding issues for sure. I find it more uncomfortable to sit on an unpadded chair or bench. I can't sleep on my side all night without my hip getting sore.
Relationship-wise, I find that people are more likely to try to push food on me that I really don't want. Lots of comments like "Oh, you're skinny, you can eat anything you want", or "You could stand to eat a donut or two".
Interesting all the talk about Raynaud's, which I have as well. My doc told me it's pretty common (she has it too), and didn't mention that it might be connected with weight loss. I lost about 40 pounds, so not the 100+ that others are talking about. But, thinking about it, I guess the symptoms did start around the time I lost the weight.3 -
quiksylver296 wrote: »
Yes, pillow in the knees. I also do a stuffed animal for the shoulder area because I like sleeping on my side but it feels very empty between my arms now. Not so much chest anymore for cushion.2 -
kshama2001 wrote: »@reversemigration have you seen your doctor about possible Reynauds?
I haven't, but it's a good idea to bring up at my next well check! Self-management seems to work pretty well - being a little more careful about wearing appropriate clothes, etc. Also, knowing me, I'll probably forget about it until next winter.
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QuinntessentiallyMe wrote: »Some of us, especially those of us who live on little money, get tired of having to buy new clothes. I've dropped 14 sizes, and have gone through at least 3 wardrobes. Even thrift store prices get to become a burden. At this point, I'm scouring 25 cent clothing piles at yard sales, and even yard sale leftovers left outside for free because I can't afford even Community Aid's half-off day prices. I'm still working on my body, and I appreciate the positive changes, but they come with a price.
This is something I’m not looking forward to. I’m only 22lb into a 100+lb loss and it’s going to take me a long time so I know I’ll be in each size for a while. I know I’ll be happy about being in a smaller size but not being able to afford nice new clothing will be tough. I’m already looking at skipping the next size down and thinking tracking bottoms, leggings etc. I can’t wear them for work so I’ll just have to take the hit on a few items and wear the life out of them. And I’m dreading buying new bras in each size.
I moaned to my hubby about it just the other day and he said think of the money we’re saving on food! I nearly launched my phone at him. Not that I’d ever say he’s right but it has made me think about putting away a little each week for when I’m ready to size down. And I’m going to check the charity shops each week for good quality pieces even if they’re way too small. Hopefully I’ll only spend the same amount I normally would over the same period.
Good luck on your clothing quest x7 -
wannabeskinnycat wrote: »QuinntessentiallyMe wrote: »Some of us, especially those of us who live on little money, get tired of having to buy new clothes. I've dropped 14 sizes, and have gone through at least 3 wardrobes. Even thrift store prices get to become a burden. At this point, I'm scouring 25 cent clothing piles at yard sales, and even yard sale leftovers left outside for free because I can't afford even Community Aid's half-off day prices. I'm still working on my body, and I appreciate the positive changes, but they come with a price.
This is something I’m not looking forward to. I’m only 22lb into a 100+lb loss and it’s going to take me a long time so I know I’ll be in each size for a while. I know I’ll be happy about being in a smaller size but not being able to afford nice new clothing will be tough. I’m already looking at skipping the next size down and thinking tracking bottoms, leggings etc. I can’t wear them for work so I’ll just have to take the hit on a few items and wear the life out of them. And I’m dreading buying new bras in each size.
I moaned to my hubby about it just the other day and he said think of the money we’re saving on food! I nearly launched my phone at him. Not that I’d ever say he’s right but it has made me think about putting away a little each week for when I’m ready to size down. And I’m going to check the charity shops each week for good quality pieces even if they’re way too small. Hopefully I’ll only spend the same amount I normally would over the same period.
Good luck on your clothing quest x
If you don't mind dresses, wrap dresses are quite friendly to weight changes. Pretty much the only dresses that have survived so far have been wrap dresses, second being ones I can belt at the waist.7 -
RelCanonical wrote: »If you don't mind dresses, wrap dresses are quite friendly to weight changes. Pretty much the only dresses that have survived so far have been wrap dresses, second being ones I can belt at the waist.
I haven’t worn a dress since my wedding but maybe the new me will like dresses thanks for the fab idea. 1 -
The clothing this has been terrible for me this time. I have dropped 4 sizes, but a lot of it came from my hips and so when pants did not fit they were actually falling off. I am still not sure if I am in my final size. Learning not to focus on the imperfection has been a challenge. I still feel bigger, but I looked at some progress photos objectively the other day and I really was able to see reality. The sagging skin is also terrible. I am on target to lose 40lbs total, but my skinis saggy. I know some of this will improve with time, but patience is hard.1
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The clothing this has been terrible for me this time. I have dropped 4 sizes, but a lot of it came from my hips and so when pants did not fit they were actually falling off. I am still not sure if I am in my final size. Learning not to focus on the imperfection has been a challenge. I still feel bigger, but I looked at some progress photos objectively the other day and I really was able to see reality. The sagging skin is also terrible. I am on target to lose 40lbs total, but my skinis saggy. I know some of this will improve with time, but patience is hard.
If I didn't have belts...which ironically also need to have new holes punched into them, it would be like a 1940s, pants falling down comedy up in here.2 -
For those that are commenting about problems with pants.
I hate wearing belts. Instead, I sewed elastic into the backs of all my pants while I was losing weight. That way the pants lasted a couple of clothing sizes before they needed replacing. Not much help though if you don't have access to a sewing machine or someone that does.8 -
The one thing I miss about being bigger is space. Before, I would ride the subway and people would give me a bubble because apparently being bigger meant I needed more breathing room.....now they practically grind up against me and squish by me as if there is so much room to play with 😥😥😥
Another thing is proper fitting clothing. I am a conservative female who likes to be covered...I am not hiding I just don't like showing off everything outside of a beach but the smaller I get the fewer material on clothing I seem to find.3 -
Holy shizz! I know what I'm buying myself for Christmas early!@seltzermint555 I developed Reynauds too. They say it’s rare, but I know several others that have it. It even happens when I eat something really cold. Last winter I found some gloves on amazon that are heated with little rechargeable batteries. The brand is Savior. It’s was a big help.
I'm sick to death of my Reynaud's stupid "ghost fingers & toes!!!" As long as I have a couple pairs of socks on, my toes aren't usually as ridiculous as my hands.abowersgirl wrote: »The one thing I miss about being bigger is space. Before, I would ride the subway and people would give me a bubble because apparently being bigger meant I needed more breathing room.....now they practically grind up against me and squish by me as if there is so much room to play with 😥😥😥
Another thing is proper fitting clothing. I am a conservative female who likes to be covered...I am not hiding I just don't like showing off everything outside of a beach but the smaller I get the fewer material on clothing I seem to find.
That bothers me, too. No, I do not want a belly shirt or one that is see-through, No, I do not want to show boobs I no longer have, and No, I do not want my *kitten* hanging out of shorts!
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abowersgirl wrote: »The one thing I miss about being bigger is space. Before, I would ride the subway and people would give me a bubble because apparently being bigger meant I needed more breathing room.....now they practically grind up against me and squish by me as if there is so much room to play with 😥😥😥
Another thing is proper fitting clothing. I am a conservative female who likes to be covered...I am not hiding I just don't like showing off everything outside of a beach but the smaller I get the fewer material on clothing I seem to find.
Yes it's hard to find tops with sleeves instead of those stupid little "caps" that don't cover your arm, and shorts that don't show everyone your business. I've bought mens shorts before because the legs were longer.7 -
abowersgirl wrote: »The one thing I miss about being bigger is space. Before, I would ride the subway and people would give me a bubble because apparently being bigger meant I needed more breathing room.....now they practically grind up against me and squish by me as if there is so much room to play with 😥😥😥
Another thing is proper fitting clothing. I am a conservative female who likes to be covered...I am not hiding I just don't like showing off everything outside of a beach but the smaller I get the fewer material on clothing I seem to find.
Yes it's hard to find tops with sleeves instead of those stupid little "caps" that don't cover your arm, and shorts that don't show everyone your business. I've bought mens shorts before because the legs were longer.
Gap and old navy carry full tees and longer shorts4 -
abowersgirl wrote: »The one thing I miss about being bigger is space. Before, I would ride the subway and people would give me a bubble because apparently being bigger meant I needed more breathing room.....now they practically grind up against me and squish by me as if there is so much room to play with 😥😥😥
YES! I have experienced this too. I seriously had no idea people were giving me so much extra berth in the past and now I feel (even after being relatively the same size for nearly 6 years) like my personal bubble is not big enough anymore!?
I also find that people (strangers, randoms) touch me more and it's not a good thing. Like if I am just in a store shopping female clerks will pet my hair (!?) or touch my shirt or whatever and say "ooh that's cute" and that legit NEVER happened to me until I lost weight. I'd kind of prefer people not touch me unless I expect it - like a hug from a close friend or of course my spouse.
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seltzermint555 wrote: »abowersgirl wrote: »The one thing I miss about being bigger is space. Before, I would ride the subway and people would give me a bubble because apparently being bigger meant I needed more breathing room.....now they practically grind up against me and squish by me as if there is so much room to play with 😥😥😥
YES! I have experienced this too. I seriously had no idea people were giving me so much extra berth in the past and now I feel (even after being relatively the same size for nearly 6 years) like my personal bubble is not big enough anymore!?
I also find that people (strangers, randoms) touch me more and it's not a good thing. Like if I am just in a store shopping female clerks will pet my hair (!?) or touch my shirt or whatever and say "ooh that's cute" and that legit NEVER happened to me until I lost weight. I'd kind of prefer people not touch me unless I expect it - like a hug from a close friend or of course my spouse.
That would drive me mad @seltzermint555 -- the touching thing. Maybe it's regional? No one here is touching me, thank goodness! Or maybe I've perfected my "I'm not social today" face. XD
Now, while people don't *touch* me randomly, I have caught them trying to squeeze my personal space. I've gotten good at the stretch and elbow jab. Weight loss has given me some super pointy elbows and I know how to use 'em! 4 -
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