Should I try weight loss again (mum tum)

[Riverz]

I am size 10 ish and lost a lot of weight (many lbs) over the last few years and got into fitness

I currently try to run 3 times a week between 3-5k. I also go to at least 2 work out classes, one is mobility the other is weights and HIIT, plus I enjoy lifting weights in the gym so I am fairly active.

I don’t think I have the best view of myself, from years of not feeling comfortable in my body so not clear how objective I am being. While I was losing weight I got really over focused on the scale number. I’m 5’6 and was determined to get to 63kg (10st) but I never managed it and got to 65kg. This is when I set myself other goals like fitness

I do try to eat well but a lot of exercise and a big busy family can be challenging so I was upset to see I have gained 5kg since last year so I am 70kg and 5’6.

I measured myself and my hips/thighs are leaner and have not gained weight there in fact lost an inch on both so it does seem to be some ‘middle spread’ as I feel I can see it! It’s not so bad I don’t fit in my clothes yet but I feel so self conscious of it. My waist is nearer top end of healthy for my height but when I asked DH about if he thought I was getting podgy, he said no, he pointed out that it’s loose skin (an overhang from pregnancy and c-section like an apron) and no exercise will prob shift this and I look lean and it’s fine no one can see it the way I see it. But I feel it looks out of proportion in gym leggings like tyre around my waist. Is he right, do I just need to buy some skims and accept it! I don’t want surgery so I would never do it

I have a strong core so no amount of sit ups are going to help this but maybe weight loss, I’m worried about loosing lean mass though if I cut cals! How do I do this?

I think this is a weightloss issue. At that height and weight, you will have a bit of extra around your middle and it will feel noticeable. You can't out exercise diet though, so that's where I'd focus. Keep your protein up, but reduce your portion size by a third for everything else. I find that's the easiest change to make as you don't have to make anything new. And obviously no sugary drinks or snacking on crisps etc. Good luck!

You can maintain and even increase muscle mass when in calories deficit if you eat a lot of protein and do strength training. I had the same issue, suddenly any weight gain accumulated around the waist. Happy to report that losing weight sorted it.