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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To try to remain the same size throughout life?

62 replies

JollieJullie · 01/01/2023 19:33

I used to be a size 8 from puberty until a couple of years ago. Now I am in my early-mid 30s and I am a size 10, but I am trying to go back to an 8.

However, I wonder if my efforts are pointless as maybe my body is maybe just not meant to stay the same size as I get older?

Do you think it is reasonable to remain roughly the same size throughout life? Or should we accept the fact that later in life we will get a bit softer?

OP posts:
AngelinaFibres · 01/01/2023 21:57

Jourdain11 · 01/01/2023 19:57

Ha ha, so as a 34 year old size six, I should expect to soon start looking like an old hag with a scrawny and unattractive frame. At least I'm now forewarned!

Show quote history

At your age you are in your absolute, fabulous prime. When you get to the other side of the menopause you will notice that the youthful 'puff' of your skin drops. Google ' celebrities face or figure'. Those actresses who have prioritised remaining tiny look terribly guant in the face. That's why they turn to fillers. The ones who are a size or 2 bigger look better in the face . It won't happen to you for ages . I didn't really think about it. I was a size 8/10 until I hit 50. Now ,at 57, I'm a 12. I have reconciled myself to it, but I didn't find it easy. If I exercise and calorie limit then I can be a 10, but I don't look very well.

AngelinaFibres · 01/01/2023 21:58

*gaunt

LizzieSiddal · 01/01/2023 22:04

I too think you have to go on weight rather than clothes size.

I’ve always been a size 10 but I weighed just under 8 stone at 22, I’m
9 st 4 now at 57.

LizzieSiddal · 01/01/2023 22:08

And agree with the menoupasue comment. My whole body,
especrially my face has dropped terribly since the menopause. It’s so depressing! I hardly any wrinkles and until a couple of years ago people were always commenting that I looked much younger than my age. No one has said that for about 3 years as I now has all the colleges has d

Andsoforth · 01/01/2023 22:19

Maybe focus on having a strong, healthy body and looking at things like your bone health rather just your size per se.

What we need our bodies to do for us changes with age and stage.

VyeBrator · 01/01/2023 22:20

AngelinaFibres · 01/01/2023 21:57

At your age you are in your absolute, fabulous prime. When you get to the other side of the menopause you will notice that the youthful 'puff' of your skin drops. Google ' celebrities face or figure'. Those actresses who have prioritised remaining tiny look terribly guant in the face. That's why they turn to fillers. The ones who are a size or 2 bigger look better in the face . It won't happen to you for ages . I didn't really think about it. I was a size 8/10 until I hit 50. Now ,at 57, I'm a 12. I have reconciled myself to it, but I didn't find it easy. If I exercise and calorie limit then I can be a 10, but I don't look very well.

Show quote history

I'll never understand people who claim people who carry more weight look better in the face.

For a start we're all different, and if you look around, there are plenty of people carrying more weight who have jowls due to the fact our bodies 'drop' as we get older.

Only on Mumsnet have I read people saying 'after a certain age, you have to choose between face and arse', like it's true for everyone or even for most people.

It really isn't.

Dancingdragonhiddentiger · 01/01/2023 22:20

Since stopping breastfeeding I’ve been (for years now) one size bigger. I’m still in a healthy weight range so I don’t worry too much.

SpentDandelion · 01/01/2023 22:23

I am 54, size 10/12 and have a little pot belly, but l am quite fond of it, l certainly don't worry about it.
I like being active and eating well, and l allow myself treats. Yes my face is changing, inside l still feel beautiful and nothing will change that, because l am totally at peace with myself.

LolaSmiles · 01/01/2023 22:25

I ignore dress sizes as I'm apparently the same size now as I was 10/15 years ago. I'm also post DC and easily a stone and a half to two stone heavier.
My hip and bust measurements haven't changed much, but my waist measurement has gone up a couple of inches post DC.

Assuming no health issues, I think if someone has a healthy attitude to food and is moderately active then they're probably going to naturally fall within a healthy window in their adult life.

Ikeameatballs · 01/01/2023 22:26

I’ve been the same size all my adult life though vanity sizing now means I’m usually a 6 rather than and 8 in clothing. I’m nearly 45 now and aim to remain slim for the rest of my life. I’ve also started to exercise much more over the past few years. I think I look and feel great.

FusionChefGeoff · 01/01/2023 22:38

Depends how drastic the changes are you'd have to make to get back I suppose.

If it's upping the exercise and cutting out biscuits and cake, then perhaps your body is happy smaller.

If it's a drastic VLCD and 6 mile run every day, I'd suggest a bit extra is 'natural' at this stage of life..

My parents are OBSESSED with staying exactly the same weight and their food intake is horrendously restricted

Blinky21 · 01/01/2023 23:11

I was size 8 Iin my 20s, 10 in my 30s and now 12 in my 40s, however I can get to a 10 quite quickly if I stop eating bread and pasta. I did read once there is a genetic element to how large you can get, by rights I should be much bigger as I don't eat particularly well

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