Weight loss- how do you know when to stop?

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

When I started my weight loss journey 8 months ago I was aiming for 10 stone. 3stone 4lbs off & I'm just a couple of pounds off this target but just don't feel I'm 'there' yet.

It's mainly a renewed interest in fashion that has made me want to keep losing weight so I can wear certain style with confidence (skinnies, shorter skirts, more fitted dresses etc) but how do you know when you're at the right weight.

BMi currently slap bang in the middle of normal so could easily lose another stone without dropping to underweight BUT I've never been that slim & not sure it will suit me (iykwim).

Any thoughts?

[Innocuoususername]

Well done on your weight loss. I know what you mean about how much is enough. I think for me it's all about the face. There's a certain point (unfortunately still a stone away for me) at which "defined cheekbones" becomes "gaunt and ill".

You've also got to think about maintaining a healthy weight in the long term, it may be easier to do that if your body has a couple of pounds to spare rather than hovering around underweight and going into starvation mode.

Maybe split the difference, try for an extra half stone and see how that looks and feels?

[FoodieMum3]

I could have written this post. I've lost a similar amount of weight and am now a size 10. If you had told me a year ago that I'd be a size 10 in December 2014 I would have laughed in your face.

The thing is, I still feel a little flabby. My BMI is within normal range so I'm guessing I need to tone up.

Can I ask op, how are you feeling about christmas? What's your plan for maintenance? I was a huge (literally, lol) over eater and know that I have to be so, so careful this December.
I'm terrified of putting the weight back on, it happened a few years ago when I lost 3 stone. I do feel different this time though and I've 3 kids to be healthy for also.

[ItMustBeBedtimeSurely]

I think you need to consider your frame. If you have a small frame, then being at the low end of bmi is probably right, but a person with a larger frame might be better off at the higher end of normal.

Test by putting your thumb and forefinger around your wrist. If they meet, you're probably quite small.

Also toning up and getting fit will make a huge difference to how you look.

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

I'm large frame (a good cm off meeting thumb & forefinger) with small waist but large hip/pelvis so probably shouldn't go to the bottom end of BMI scale (although that would be 1.5stone off) . The problem with looking too thin is that people are already saying stop, don't lose any more etc but I think this is just relative to how big I was & not what is normal/healthy if that makes sense. I'm going to try & get that last stone off I think & see how I feel but realistically think 9.5stone is a good aim try & work with (gives me a few lbs either way but I like being a round number to keep me on track)

Christmas I'm basically going to keep eating healthily most of the time but certainly won't be tracking drinks or the odd party blip or Christmas Day itself (although love my no fat fry-up for breakfast so will stick with that ). I'm keeping my goal in mind so won't go mad but will indulge - think a couple of Roses not the whole box as last year & pudding but no seconds etc. I'm also exercising regularly which I know will help & won't beat myself up over a lb or 2 gained as I know I can lose it the next week. Or maybe the one after as its my birthday just after NYE but the point is, I will get back on track this time as I'm not wasting all my hard work for a couple of weeks overindulge.

[ItMustBeBedtimeSurely]

It's sounds like you're in the right ballpark then. Maybe just focus on exercise and see how you feel. I agree you can't go on what others say when you've lost a lot of weight. Plus, how you feel is most important.

30 day shred is excellent for quick results with toning up. And only 25 mins long, which is a real bonus!

[NotTodaySatan]

Congratulations on your weight loss

My goal for Xmas was 10st 7lb and I hit it this week. I have revised my goals and am now aiming for 9st 9lb. I don't feel like I'm at my optimal weight. I still have belly rolls wobbly thighs. I'm going to join a gym in the new year to start toning. Like you, I have become obsessed with clothes shopping and would like to be a safe size 10.

I think you know if a weight is the right one for you. There's nothing wrong with moving the goalposts and aiming for a lower weight. Do it!

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

Out of interest how tall are you NTS?

[NotTodaySatan]

I'm 5'4 and my starting weight was 13st 9lb (admittedly that was the day before having DS 15 weeks ago).

I have been 11-12st for a few years. I told myself it was my natural weight but it really wasn't . I have a small frame and don't suit being fat. I hope think that the upper 9st region will be sustainable for me.

I am not doing a 'diet', I'm making sustainable lifestyle changes and improving what I eat. Also I'm exercising every day.

I am sick of zips not going up and having to buy comfy stuff. I want to be a cold stone fox for a few years before I get old and stop caring .

[FoodieMum3]

Sounds sensible re christmas and I'll be doing the same. A few roses, just not several tubs of various chocolates like other years . One mince pie with a cup of tea, not 4 etc. And I wondered why I was so overweight, lol.

Congratulations on your baby nottodaysatan, I have a little ds as well.

I'm loving clothes shopping and buying fashionable high street clothes. In fact, it's probably the best thing about weightloss. I've bought 2 winter coats already.
I spent the last 3 or 4 years in leggings and stretchy trousers so it's really amazing to wear jeans and feel good in them. That alone is all the motivation I need to keep on track.