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Original poster

To think that I understand my own body?

121 replies

mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 19:00

I've recently lost a bit of weight (always been a healthy weight) and got really into exercise. Running in particular but also gym and cycling.

I'm on the lower end of BMI but quite a small person for my height (small hands, feet, not broad). My diet is quite strict but feel like I'm fuelling my body to do what I need it to do. I feel great!

Getting a lot of negative comments from family! Too skinny, look hagged, not eating right etc. not listening.

I feel good and happier! But should I listen?

OP posts:
Dymaxion · 15/12/2024 21:06

How often do you exercise and for how long ?

BruFord · 15/12/2024 21:04

Newsenmum · 15/12/2024 20:23

It’s one of those things where when you get older, you can look more ‘haggard’ when you lose a lot of weight. I’m surprised they’ve told you though, unless they’re genuinely concerned.

@Newsenmum , Yes, it’s a frustrating reality when you’re middle-aged. I’m 50 and have a couple of friends who do look rather gaunt facially. They’re very fit, but at this age, we’re are losing collagen and our faces can get thin and lined in a way that younger people’s faces don’t. As @StormingNorman says, it’s face or bottom!

Is your family generally vocal and opinionated, OP? Mine is, they comment on everything!

CameraGown · 15/12/2024 21:03

I'm 5 ft 8 and on 1500 calories a day too

....as a calorie deficit to lose weight...and I'm not exercising

Listen to your family and friends

You are displaying the signs of orthorexia

Original poster
mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:59

Like I wouldn't say to them they have a pretty face but a fat arse! No one would say that!

OP posts:
Original poster
mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:57

Interesting what sometime said earlier it's the face or the butt! I'd rather have a good body because that's when I feel good. But don't want people telling me I look hagged!!

OP posts:
devilspawn · 15/12/2024 20:56

Thewalrusandthecarpenter · 15/12/2024 20:52

It's probably people who haven't seen you for a while who comment. I'm your height and 8.5 stone, sadly not toned and don't go to the gym! I've always been like this and nobody comments - so it may just be comparative. If you feel healthy and are working out, and have the energy to do that and everything else without feeling shattered, you are most likely ok.

you're underweight

devilspawn · 15/12/2024 20:54

Some people just don't look good thinner, and especially from 40s onward it makes you look older. Also these days people tend to assume you've gone overboard with the weightloss injections more than anything else. But yeah 1500 cals for your height and weight and activity is far too low.

Thewalrusandthecarpenter · 15/12/2024 20:52

It's probably people who haven't seen you for a while who comment. I'm your height and 8.5 stone, sadly not toned and don't go to the gym! I've always been like this and nobody comments - so it may just be comparative. If you feel healthy and are working out, and have the energy to do that and everything else without feeling shattered, you are most likely ok.

Original poster
mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:51

I have loads of protein. Over 100g a day. But I think I will try added a few more calories to halt the weight loss.

OP posts:
Jimmyneutronsforehead · 15/12/2024 20:48

You need to increase your protein and calories to build muscle otherwise you will just atrophy.

MissBPotter · 15/12/2024 20:44

youve probably already done this but I’ve been using an online TDEE calculator recently
I think 1500 is probably too little according to TDEE but I would advise consulting someone in person as everyone is different.

NewName24 · 15/12/2024 20:43

1500 calories isn't enough for a tall person who is as physically active as you are.

It would appear they have a point.

Original poster
mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:42

@MissMoan no not really.

OP posts:
Original poster
mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:41

I feel great. If I'm hungry I eat. I run and I work out a lot.

I would say I have a natural pear shape so slim / skinny shoulders and tummy but strong legs / fat bum.

OP posts:
MissMoan · 15/12/2024 20:39

@mylittledoggie Are the commenters overweight?

Theredjellybean · 15/12/2024 20:39

Depending on levels of exercise, your age, your job etc then 1500 calories could be too little.
It obviously is a deficit as you are losing weight.
I have vast experience with a loved one with eating disorders and I can see why your family are worried

5128gap · 15/12/2024 20:37

If you have lots of energy, are fit and strong, sleep well, all your bodily functions are working well and you're happy, then no, you shouldn't listen. However if there comes a time when you start to catch everything going, you're tired, breathless, lose your 'glow', experience ailments like headaches, stomach issues or pain, then you need a rethink.

Dartmoorcheffy · 15/12/2024 20:37

You probably aren't seeing what others are seeing. You arent going to build muscle and look toned if you are malnourished and underweight. I think maybe it would be an idea to see your doctor and maybe a good personal trainer with expert nutritional knowledge.

Original poster
mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:36

5 foot 8.

OP posts:
Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 15/12/2024 20:34

mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:29

I have around 1500 calories a day but I make them count. I'm quite in tune with if I don't have enough energy etc. or feel crap. But granted could eat more.

How tall are you?

1500 calories a day for someone super active is very little.

Resilience · 15/12/2024 20:32

Impossible for us to tell - although you could post some pics (disguising your face of course).

I have some sympathy. I put on well over 1.5 stones when I started menopause and was adjusting to HRT. Around that time I also changed jobs. I have since stabilised and lost the weight. I now the same size I have been most of my adult life (maybe a few pounds lighter) and those who have only known me at my bigger size keep asking if I am ok (nicely, not rudely).

I think we've lost sight of what a healthy weight looks like since so many people in our society are overweight. In my case I know I'm healthy because I feel great and my energy is through the roof. I eat less than most people but more than enough to nourish my body - the main difference being that I do not eat UPFs and I do eat plenty of fresh veg and fruit - more volume and nutrition but way fewer calories.

fivebyfivebuffy · 15/12/2024 20:30

mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:09

But why are they worried? What is going to happen to me?

It's hard to say with only one side
But possibly develop an eating disorder

Also you do need a little bit of reserve - I had severe food poisoning recently and lost 17lbs and ended up in hospital. For someone older or thinner than me it could have been really serious

Original poster
mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:29

I have around 1500 calories a day but I make them count. I'm quite in tune with if I don't have enough energy etc. or feel crap. But granted could eat more.

OP posts:
LonginesPrime · 15/12/2024 20:29

mylittledoggie · 15/12/2024 20:09

But why are they worried? What is going to happen to me?

The fact you are asking this makes it sound like it hasn't clicked that they are worried that you might become malnourished.

Is it that you can't understand their concern (1) because you have finished trying to lose weight now, or (2) because you don't think there is any danger associated with continuing to diet when you are already underweight?

Theredjellybean · 15/12/2024 20:24

A BMI of 18...achieved through restrictive diet and increased exercise plus belief you have body fat screams eating disorders