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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To just stop hiding my body?

59 replies

themiddleofourstreet · 04/07/2026 18:54

I am a size 16-18, down from a size 32-34. I have lost a lot of weight and, as to be expected, I have a fair bit of loose skin. At the moment this seems to be centred around my arms.

I have always been insecure about it. I hated my arms at my biggest and I still don’t really like them now.

But I’m also bored of hiding them and staying away from gorgeous dresses because I’m worried that people will stare at my arms. Realistically, nobody will care, will they?

AIBU to just give up and stop hiding?

YABU - nobody wants to see that. Hide it away.

YANBU - I wouldn’t give it a second glance

OP posts:
ShishKofte · 04/07/2026 19:50

Well done one your weight loss, you must feel fantastic!

If you were still a size 32 you'd have the right to wear nice dresses and wear appropriate clothes for the weather - enjoy your success.

Original poster
themiddleofourstreet · 04/07/2026 19:46

I’ve just looked in the mirror and really realised I am not the same size I was two years ago. I need to stop thinking I am

OP posts:
estrogone · 04/07/2026 19:40

You have done amazingly OP. You must be so proud- well done.

Its not easy being insecure about something. I would remind myself at every niggle of how far you have come. That you are proud and fuck it to any weirdo who focusses on any part of you in a negative way.

Celebrate.

RosalieRosa · 04/07/2026 19:34

That is a really impressive weight loss! Please don't feel as if you need to hide. If I noticed loose skin on someone's arms, I would only think they had probably lost a lot of weight and good on them.

My arms are not my favourite part either and never have been but I am currently wearing a tank top as it is too hot and uncomfortable to do otherwise. Nobody has shrieked in horror yet, much to my surprise!

Original poster
themiddleofourstreet · 04/07/2026 19:32

I’ve just bought a load of sleeveless dresses! 😬

OP posts:
Original poster
themiddleofourstreet · 04/07/2026 19:00

Logically I know I don’t look at anyone else’s arms and care. But when they’re you’re own it’s a little bit different isn’t it 😂

OP posts:
ThePlayLady · 04/07/2026 18:57

Please, for women and girls everywhere, stop giving a fig about how others view your body. If they don’t like it that’s on them and they can look away. You get one life and you deserve to live it.

Whatalunatic · 04/07/2026 18:57

On the same journey, OP. Currently size 20-22. Also hate what it has done to my arms. I wear dresses all the time, usually buttoned up from at least the waist. Short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, long sleeves. I do sleeveless with a shirt or cardigan. Do not care. I think I look bloody amazing and I'm sure you do too

SkinnyOatFlatWhiteForMePleaseBarista · 04/07/2026 18:56

I honestly wouldn’t think anything other than isn’t that a great frock etc.