I feel shockingly shit about myself.

[ChainingDaisy]

I am officially a healthy weight. I'm 5 foot 9 and 11 stone. Waist of 28 inches. I had 2 babies in two years, I have been left with a lot of loose skin. My stomach is a similar consistency to blancmange, only crepey. I am hourglass shaped, my arse, hips and thighs are enormous. I feel horrific when I look at myself, I have spent a lot of time crying as I look in the mirror.

I'm a size 8 to 10 on top, a 10 to 12 on my bottom half. I feel crap. I can't work out if my problem is actually my weight, or my self esteem? I could definitely do with loosing some weight, but I've lost sight of how much I need to. I lost 2.5 stone last autumn, but I still feel very, very fat. Ideally I'd like to loose another 2 stone, but I can't tell anymore if this is realistic.

Pre DC I had a 25 inch waist, I suffered with diastis recti after my second child, so I don't think that will be possible again, but I feel so bloody awful at the moment.

Hi Daisy

Didn't want to leave your post unanswered- not sure how much help I will be as I'm unhappy with my body too at the moment! I'm notorious for direct speaking so apologies in advance if I'm too blunt.

Your body has done amazing things by giving birth to two children! It will probably never be the same as it was, but everything changes. Your weight, measurements etc sound fine to me, maybe it's more something like exercise you need?

I know how hard it is when you hate your body, but please don't be too hard on yourself. Hope you've had a better day today

You sound like a perfectly normal size and shape to me. I wish I had a 28 inch waist. I think it may be your esteem that needs working on rather than your body.

It is horrible to feel so negative about yourself. I wonder if you have some kind of body dysmorphia? It could be worth having a check with your GP.

I think another two stone is not a necessary goal at all. I hope you feel better soon.

Do you exercise ? And I mean from a mental health standpoint not anything else it helps big time.

What weight were you on average pre kids is 2 stone loss where you used to be ?

2 stone loss is a stone lighter than I was before my kids. It may be some sort of body dismorphia, I don't know. I just look so revoltingly fat when I see myself in the mirror. Sort of lumpen and awful. I don't exercise no, I have various leg problems which rule out a lot of exercise, I probably use it as an excuse though.

I am 5ft 9 and the same shape. I also feel overweight at 11 stone. Because it all sits around the stomach, bum and hips.

10 stone is where i feel better about myself.

It could be that you see yourself differently to what you actually look like. Or maybe you just arent comfortable at 11 stone.

What exercise do you do?

Sorry just seen you dont do any.

Surely there is something you could do. It would lift your mood and help build some muscle which will actually help your shape.

There probably is. My children still don't really sleep, so I'm knackered and a bit lazy. I have problems with my hips, one knee and my ankles, so nothing high impact. There's undoubtedly something I could do though. I did definitely feel happier around 10 stone, still a bit chubby though.

No, definitely don't feel the same about other people who look at bit blancmangey. I was the unlucky one of my friends with having babies. I don't actually personally know anyone else who looks like it though. I'm probably just being a bit pathetic.

Your body has been through a lot over the past two years and so have your emotions and mental health. You say your children aren't sleeping- I find being tired exacerbates my negative feelings and if I haven't slept properly I often feel I can't cope. I think a proper rest would do you the world of good for a start. Can you have someone watch the kids while you have a break, even if it is just overnight? Lack of sleep also makes your body store fat, or so I believe, so sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. You are also not lazy- you have two young kids and health issues- so try to stop thinking of yourself as lazy. Once rested you might also find you have some energy to tone up. Is swimming feasible? How about weights or yoga at home if you can't get out? I always feel much brighter after a haircut too so if you haven't been for some time make an appointment if you can. My other suggestion would be to go and see your GP. Possibly you have a touch of depression and talking to a professional might help. Take care x

I'm exactly the same height and weight, 28/29 inch waist too, but I've not even had kids.

I just feel so saggy and old - I look at my body and it isn't what a 20-something body should look like.

Short-term, I'm gradual tanning. Mid-term I'm on a low calorie diet and long-term, when I have got over an injury and have more spare time, I will start HIIT and weight training.