Size 18 and Happy - Anyone Else Not Wanting to Lose Weight?”

I’m exactly the same height and clothes size as you. Am perfectly happy and comfortable.
Been the same ish size all my life.

I'm a size 8-10, I'm not short either but my BMI is around 25, I've had people (friends!) ask me if I'd consider WLI and I was a bit taken aback that they viewed me that way, it really shook up my self image as I was happy with where I was so I understand your thoughts OP. I thought I was thin but now I'm scrutinising every angle which is a bit depressing when you are fit and healthy, I exercise 4-5 times a week so I'm feeling a bit low about it.

It’s interesting to me the different circles that people move in. I don’t know a single person who is using WLI and I don’t talk about weight or diets with my circle of friends. It’s fascinating that you have multiple people suggesting that you lose weight and specifically that you should use WLI to do so.

If you are healthy (eg low cholesterol, normal blood sugars) and you are not obese or significantly overweight then I would agree that you don’t need to be concerned about losing any weight if you don’t want to. But it is undeniable that being obese or significantly overweight is riskier for your health than being in the healthy weight range, whether that’s measured by bmi or waist to height ratio, waist to hip ratio etc.

I don’t think weight in and of itself is the issue more the consequences eg higher inflammation / cholesterol / heart calcification / blood sugar control . If you are happy that these are all good then it’s just cosmetic .

I attend a wonderful exercise class that is about building strength rather than loosing weight. All the women in the class are different shapes and sizes but working on their fitness. It’s made me realise that the perfect model figure is unattainable for most of us. We need to concentrate on health and strength.

It’s actually fascinating how many variations of body types there are. Some women have pert bottoms but flabby arms, others have broad shoulders but skinny legs. It’s impossible for us all to look the perceived perfect media image of women. Embrace what you are!

I’m a UK size 18/20 and not obese, for whatever BMI is worth, so don’t jump to conclusions.

I mean this kindly, OP. I think that when larger women wear things like novelty earrings it is almost buying into this stereotype of the wacky fat woman. Size 18 isn’t massively overweight and perhaps toning things down sartorially will really complement you.

You are living life to the full so just enjoy it.

I was doing an exercise dvd about 10 years ago and the presenter said if you kept with it you would tone up and change your body, and DD (about 8 at the time) said "im glad its not working for you mum!" 🤣🤣
(I wasnt overweight but wanted - and still do - to lose a few pounds)

I went from BMI 32 to BMI 25 early last year.

I was very happy at BMI 32, I had a good life, with a happy family, close friends and financial security. So I understand what you mean. I’m also 5’7 and “carried it well”, so never got sneered at. Life was good!

For me it was about health because at 52, I realised kind of suddenly that I could be in trouble if I didn’t lose some weight. That’s why I started WLI. I’m still a happy and fortunate person, the only difference is that my risk of certain diseases has decreased.

So I get what you mean, OP.

It's really up to you. I would just say that I am your height exactly and in menopause have gone up from a 10-12 to a 14. When I am a 14, I feel it on my knees.

Excess weight- even a bit- wears you down in your fifties. But maybe that's just me.

I was like you in my twenties and thirties OP. Then all of a sudden I was fifty with ruined knees, high blood pressure and constant fatigue.

I am now in my sixties, I have lost stones with Mounjaro, which I have financed myself, and I could cry with happiness at how much my life has improved.

All I want now is knee replacement.

BMI also isn’t the be all and end all. It should really be combined with waist to height ratio for a fuller picture.

Eg a BMI of 27 is overweight but if OP’s WTH is 0.40-0.49 then the risks of overweight or obesity are much lower than if her WTH is over 0.5.

I eat a perfectly good diet and do way more exercise than the average person.

Very simplistic comment and really not helpful.

So was I. But then I was obese for 16 years and got used to it. And now I'm not, I remember how it feels to not be obese.
I don't believe you feel as good now as you would feel if you lost 2/3 stone. I don't believe that's possible.

People presume anyone fat just sits about
i do spin, netball, yoga, lift weights, mobility classes…. The only thing I don’t do is run because I’ve had previous spinal surgery and advised not to

At a size 18 you're almost certainly obese so no, you shouldn't just accept it and not want to change it. Great if you're happy with the way you look and feel, but as someone who was a size 18 3 years ago and now a 12 (4.5 stone difference!) I can tell you it's SOOOO much nicer not being obese for all the possible reasons. I'm still curvy and BMI 26 so no fears about not being 'cuddly' but life is so much better on the other side. You don't realise that when you're obese because you've forgotten or never knew what it feels like to be a healthy weight.

But not everyone who is overweight doesn't exercise and eats crap. I'm a size 16, up from a 12 about 8 years ago. Menopause hit and I just can't lose it. I exercise at the gym 5 times a week plus dog walking. Meals cooked from scratch. But quite frankly I don't want to starve myself and be miserable.

Also some people are suggesting WLIs and others- I think strangers- are smiling and complimenting you? Maybe enjoy the compliments and ignore the others without over thinking.

Who are these people suggesting wli?

When i am a 16/18 I feel fabulous. I am probably a 22 at the moment. I too.have to.listen to people educating me about weight loss jabs🙄

Dress size doesn't mean much. What's your actual BMI?
Odd that people keep suggesting WLIs to you.

People are happy to remain overweight because it is easier than taking regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. Unfortunately, when you hit your 60s (or maybe younger), life will not be easier if you've been carrying extra weight and been inactive for the last 4 or 5 decades.