AIBU to think that most women over 35..

[thinkingaboutmyage]

Are a size 10 or above?

My friend has suggested that my new year resolution should be to slim down and tone my body - st first I was offended, but I actually think she was genuinely trying to be helpful or perhaps, motivational?

She’s a size 6 having focused on exercise/diet last year and lost 2 stone! I’m a size 10 and eat whatever I like she thinks that once I’m 40 it’ll be hard to maintain my weight unless I join her as a fitness fanatic

AIBU to think that most of us over-35s are a size 10 or above though. She’s the exception not the norm - her lifestyle seems tedious as she lives at the gym.

Most not moist. FFS I'm typing like a baboon today.

I haven't been a size 10 since I WAS 10. If you're happy as you are and you're healthy then crack on.

41 and an 8-10 in most places (4-6 in Next/XS Hush). I run and do regular yoga and enjoy eating healthily but I don’t deprive myself. I’m not a big drinker though which I think helps.

I seem to have increased a size each decade. In my 20s I was a definite 8 (fitting into some 6s). In my 30s a definite 10 and now in my 40s I’m a definite size 12 (although I can get into some tops and dresses the right snap 8-10 depending on shop). There are 2 sets of genetics in my family. My dad’s genes are skinny and my mum’s family are all overweight. I seem to take after my dad but do worry some days. Now in my 40s I’ve noticed the weight going on so regulate my eating for a while and lose it.

My 2 children are the same. Skinny one eats a lot more than the less skinny one. They’ve inherited the different genes I reckon. I need to encourage healthier eating and more exercise with the less skinny child as she has a tendency to sit around more and would eat more given the chance.

So, OP I reckon your friend should be ignored. Size 10 is fine and depending on your genetics you might need to look at your eating and exercise but might be ok.

I can't imagine swanning on to a Men's Health and Fitness discussion board and loftily announcing "don't worry gentlemen, I like my men with a bit of flab on them, so no need to work out".

I'd love to see that!

I post occasionally on bodybuilding.com (I'm into strength training) and whenever somebody comments that most women don't find bulging, striated muscles attractive, all the guys go on defence mode and claim they're 'doing it for themselves'.

My favourite moment on bb.com was a thread which linked a scathing article by a pro trainer who had a rant about machismo and the common homophobia of alpha posturing men. He rightly pointed out that few things are more homoerotic than waxing body hair, bronzing, posing in budgie smugglers/tights, and obsessing over other men's bodies in detail.

The fallout wasn't pretty.

I thought this thread was about how to stay healthy into middle age, not about what might be attractive to a man.
Most people I know are slim. I have no idea, unless I go shopping with them, what size clothing they buy. It's not like it's a topic of conversation between us. Do people really know what size people are. And how do you know by looking at them. Not everyone in a particular size looks the same.

I am 5 feet 2 and a half inches (yes, that half an inch makes all the difference) and very petite. I've always been able to eat what I want and not put any weight on. I know I have been very lucky. I've been a size 8/10 all my adult life so far but since I hit age 48 in November, I've found that I need to watch what I eat for the first time ever. I can't eat the same amount of crap that I used to without it showing on the scales. I'm now eating smaller portions and trying to cut back on biscuits and cakes. I used to run for pleasure but not to keep the weight off because I was so slim. I'm planning to start running again - for fitness, pleasure but now also to keep my weight maintained. It is true for most women that as you age, it is easier to gain unwanted weight. However, do what you feel is right for you. Best of luck :)

Gosh. Most people I know are overweight, some very much so.
Random people I see when out & about (names I don't know) tend to be fatter on avg than the people I see whose names I do know.

I’m almost 43 - 156cm (5’1 1/2”) and weight 45.5 - 46kg ~ 7 stone 2. I was 7 stone 3lb when I got married 18.5yrs ago. I’m a size 6. I’ve had 8 children and put on around 35lbs with each pregnancy (except 1). For a long while my weight was more like 49/50kg (8 stone) I was size 10 at this weight.

I'm 43, 5ft 10" & weigh 10 stone 1lb I wear size ten clothes,I'm not a gym freak but live in the country so plenty of biking,walking & horse riding,I've always done loads of free exercise though as I tell you inside me is a proper fat bird just waiting to get out,she won't be appearing while I can still get my bum motivated 😂that's for sure X my friend is same night as me but 9lb heavier & looks in tip top condition X weights just a number surely,if you feel overweight just move more X

Sorry same height X

I’m 50 and a 12. Would quite like to lose a stone (yes it is much harder as you get older) but I’ll never be an 8. But I don’t really care about clothes labels. They’re so arbitrary. I have tops that are size 10 which are loose and a couple of size 14 that are tight. That’s about the cut and the brand, not my body size

I know more women over 35 who are smaller than a 10 than are bigger.

I also find it strange that so many people say sizing varies so much between shops. I have never been in any shops where I'm not a size 8. I must just be choosing all the right shops to go in!

@Lumpy76 - you've had 8 children, but only weigh 7st 2lbs? You must share your secret!

I am 62, short and a size eight. It takes every scintilla of effort, diet and exercise to maintain it.

Catherine Deneuve said that after fifty a woman has to choose between her face and her derrière. My face has suffered, for sure.

Sounds like you need a new friend

There's an article on here at the moment t about pregnancy weight gain. Was surprised to read that energy requirements don't change until last three months and that even then it's only an extra 200 calories a day.

It also states that 2/3 of the weight gain should be lost within a month of giving birth.

Depends on height whether weight is reasonable, nothing to do with age. Exercise won't make you lose weight, it will keep you fitter. It's the intake of food being reduced that causes weight loss. By all means exercise. Size 10 seems reasonable unless you are 5'7" or even taller.

Wow what an interesting thread people listing their dress size and how they stay thin 😴
I'm not sure that was what the OP was after.

I honestly think weight training is the way forward for people who want to eat heartily without being far. No way could I eat 3000 cals a day if I was just doing cardio. I regularly pig out too and eat 6000 in a day!

I can't imagine swanning on to a Men's Health and Fitness discussion board and loftily announcing "don't worry gentlemen, I like my men with a bit of flab on them, so no need to work out".

That made me laugh so much

I would never be a size 6, even if I was just skin and bone, neither would I want to be. Size 10 is a healthy size and your friend has no idea whether or not you will be able to maintain your weight when you reach 40. If you find yourself putting on weight when you are in your forties you can go on a diet, until then enjoy having a good figure and also enjoy being a size that is far more available in the shops than a size 6 is.

Haha!Attracted a mate and successfully reproduced..two of the things that have never ever been on my to do list.
As for the virginity thing, it was never an issue to me in my teens.
The arrogance of men gets me though too. That we hang on their approval and everything we do to our bodies is for their benefit.
It's almost like we should be grateful for their attention and anything more we have to be eternally grateful for.
I notice it's more the alpha male types who seem to be like this.