Weight loss but still feel fat!

[Becky274]

I was wondering if anyone had had a similar experience. Since January this year I’ve lost just over 2 stone; 6 pounds off my target of 10 stone. The thing is, although I know I have lost weight, I’m buying smaller sizes and old clothes are hanging off me, when I look in the mirror it’s like I can’t see the weight loss and I still feel massively overt weight.

For background, I’ve never been very small (total apple shape, tiny legs and enormous belly and boobs), however I thought I’d get to this point and be overjoyed. If anyone had asked me earlier in the year my ideal clothes size would be a ten - which I’m in now but I just don’t like the way I look and feel I still look ‘chubby’. I’m amazed I actually got this far too as I normally lose half a stone then give up, so for me this is a massive achievement. I don’t feel that it’s because I set my expectations too high either, it’s not that I want to be a size 8 or anything and today I went into town shopping and couldn’t help but notice how fabulous others looked (some smaller some larger than me) so it’s not about size per se. I know I should exercise which would probably help some, but can’t help but feel disappointed. I’ve bought lots of lovely new clothes in my new size but don’t have the confidence to wear them.

Anyway, just wondering if anyone had any similar experiences after weight loss and if one day I’ll look in the mirror and see that change?!

Well done on your weight loss!
I’m a total apple too. I also thought I’d be thrilled to get down to an old weight where I used to consider myself slim. I didn’t, I still felt fat. I still looked fat. Or rather I thought I did!
couldn’t help but notice how fabulous others looked (some smaller some larger than me) so it’s not about size per se
This sums it up. It isn’t about size, it’s about confidence. Wear the new clothes you’ve bought, even if it’s just around the house the first few times. You just aren’t used to dressing in them as you are used to your old clothes that you hide yourself in. Go for it, you will look fab!

Thank you so much ‘acryforhelp’!! It’s a bummer isn’t it, I really sometimes feel I would look better at a different shape and never seem to lose weight from my boobs as much as I’d love to and I seem to have a permanent front bum!! Having thought about it I think you’re right and it is about confidence which I’ve always lacked. Today I wore my old larger size jeans and a baggy top which is ridiculous as they don’t even fit properly anymore!!

Over a year ago I got from almost 12 stone to almost 9 stone and have easily maintained. Im 5'6 and I still think I look fat! I have just accepted that I am medically not fat and dont look it to anyone else! But I do accept that as I am in my mid 30s with two kids I have hips, boobs and a bit of a mum tum that will probably stay with me now! I'm sure you look very healthy just have to accept it as true!

Hi OP, you may be have phantom fat syndrome. It's where you still see yourself as you were before weight loss, the brain hasn't caught up with the weight loss. I realised last year that I had this after losing 3 and a half stones.

I feel the same way after losing 2.5 stone slowly and getting fit (like 30 miles a week running fit) so am also far more toned. I’ve gone from a 16 to a comfortable 12.

I reckon lockdown has played a role in that we’re not seeing people as much. I’m working from home still and haven’t seen colleagues in real life for 14 months and barely friends or family either. My weight loss is almost secret as such, so no external validation if that makes sense?

Yep, 3.5 stone off and the same here! All my clothes swamp me but even smaller ones just seem weird. I know my body’s changed but I can’t quite cement that in my mind somehow.

@Alternista

Yep, 3.5 stone off and the same here! All my clothes swamp me but even smaller ones just seem weird. I know my body’s changed but I can’t quite cement that in my mind somehow.

It took me months to make the change to buying smaller clothes as it couldn’t be real 🤔😂

You will have loose skin which will stop the result being as pleasing to you as you had hoped.