How much weight loss is enough to notice and feel a bit better?

[ElizabethinherGermanGarden]

I'm 5'5" and about 11.5 stone. That's probably an underestimation. I'm a size 14 and have always had bizarrely positive body image, never worrying about my weight. However, got a family wedding in 14 weeks and want to feel/look good - at the moment not entirely happy with how I look in my chosen frock (wrap dress so won't need to size down if I actually lose some weight).

How much would I need to lose to actually notice it?

For YOU to notice? Any!

I feel better about my body with exercise/eating well, even before any weight loss.

I found that DH noticed after about 10lbs, had comments from friends / acquaintances after a stone or so, although some polite people will never comment on weight, which I quite like!

As Dozer said - about a stone for me (I’m a bit taller and a bit heavier than you but similar ratio, so a stone is noticeable)

Do you do any exercise?

Maybe focussing on being fitter would suit you more? As someone who hates their body because of a number on the scale is really encourage you not to go down the weight loss route specifically when it sounds like you really don't have to.

Half a stone for me to feel better, I think at least a stone for other people to notice.

I’m a similar size and half a stone feels better. I’ve lost 8lbs since New Year and it feels like my waist has returned.

I’m a similar height and was a similar weight and wanted to lose a bit for the exact same reason.

I’m 7lb lighter and it’s taken that much for me to properly notice it. My tummy doesn’t stick out quite so much, I can breathe easily in my size 14 jeans and can get my size 12s on - they’re still too tight to wear but I couldn’t get them over my stomach 7lbs ago.

10%ish

10% sounds loads! I think I can cope with the idea of half a stone for now. The only times in my life when I've lost more were when I had dysentery when travelling and when I separated from my husband and didn't really eat. Exercise is difficult because of the time factor, but I will give it some thought.

Any tips for getting started that don't involve slimming world?

I'm a similar height and build to you. In order to lose weight without having to think about it all the time I've given up sugar since January. I will still eat fruit but no biscuits, sweets or chocolate ( haven't given up alcohol). It's a slow process and I've just been away skiing and eaten too much wiener schnitzel, but having done it previously when I wasn't so peri menopausal, I know that it works and means you don't have to obsess about what you can and can't eat all the time.