how big do you think I look?

[WipsGlitter]

Sometimes I think I look huge other times ok!

I know I need to lose some weight but I find trying on clothes so confusing! I guess it all depends on the cut!

I agree with Thefitfatty. I think you will see more results from exercise than diet.

Why do you say that? Exercise not diet. I was doing classes three times over the winter, HITT type stuff and don't really think it made a difference!

Three times a week? For how long?
Well I dislike diets, because they generally aren't sustainable, I prefer exercise because I find it makes you feel better, stronger and with an hourglass type figure like yours, helps you firm up and get more defined.

By all means eat healthy as well! I'm not saying you should eat McDonalds and exercise. :)

Also, I find when I just lose weight, I also lose my bum and boobs. With exercise I get to keep them, and I get the health benefits. :)

You look a good 16 to me. That's not saying you look horrible, but you are a larger lady who is fortunate to have put on weight evenly so you still go in at the waist.

We are used to seeing women with with much bigger figures nowadays that it be more acceptable for people to say you look fine when in reality it's because we are used to people especially women being bigger.

If you eat sensibly then up your exercise. More walking and if you are in the garden or in front of the TV try hoola hooping. Now the good weather is upon us you can get our and about more without the chore of formal exercise if it isn't your thing.

Probably from last September through until April, it was classes of three minute bursts of exercise lunges squads kettle bells weights et cetera.

I think the problem was, it was great if you were already fit and toned but I don't think it really helped burn off fat (if such a thing exists) and so it was only good for people who were already fit and toned not people wanting to slim down. I do think my fitness improved though.

I'm not a fan of classes. Maybe try a mix of cardio and heavy weights on your own? (I do love kettle bell circuits though!).

Exercise isn't as effective as diet for losing fat. However, it's effective at building muscle and improving your overall health. If you get in some exercise you should find yourself "tightening" up a bit, even if the scales don't go down.

Just to demonstrate. About a year ago I was your size and figure. Now I'm a size 12 (at 5'6 and 12 stone).

I'm not skinny. But I think I look pretty toned and fit. And I didn't really change my diet at all. (Cut out excess carbs, but that's it really).

I was going to say 14/16. You have a nice shape and don't look "huge" to me.

My Body Gallery lets you put your statistics in so you can compare what you look like with others the same size.
www.mybodygallery.com

Lots of good advice here, OP.

Just to pick up on PinkBallerina's point, though - OP doesn't have a thigh gap, and nor will most of us, no matter how slim. A true thigh gap is when you can see daylight through a triangular gap at the very top of the legs when standing with feet and knees together. Only possible if you are very toned AND have a wide enough pelvis that your legs are naturally wider-set.

I think you are a size 14

I would say a 14 - but depends on your height.

I disagree that (if you want to change your shape) it's exercise you need. The medical profession generally agree that losing weight is 80% diet, 20% exercise. So you need to change what you eat (or how much).

Exercise is all very well but you won't see any difference in muscle tone unless you get rid of the layer of fat covering it! Speaking generally btw - not saying you have a 'layer of fat' op

How much do you weigh if you don't mind me asking? I'm an inch shorter than you

I don't know what I weigh - sorry. Too much probably!!