Mourning Loss of Luscious Body

[PringlesDippedInHoney]

I am 56, 5 foot 1 inch tall and weigh 14 stones. I have had a belly since having my c-section many years ago, but even that hangs in an aesthetically pleasing way. I like the way I look. My body is in proportion (hourglass) so I carry my excess weight well, but it is not about looks. I have reached an age whereby weight loss would be the best option for me in view of age related health conditions which I am more likely to develop due to my weight. I am however starting to mourn the loss of a luscious body, in advance of this happening. My excess weight has gone mostly to the "right " places and very nicely, so I know I am fortunate in this. I have always loved the way my body looks and I love seeing my body. I dress modestly, so this isn't about getting approval from other people. I won't let these feelings stop me from losing weight. I am just wondering if any other women can understand how I feel.

😂wind up of the day

Same babes.

No. This is not a wind up. I wasn't brought up to feel that I should look a certain way. I was raised to appreciate myself for the individual that I am.

So you're happy with your body but you have health conditions because you're overweight so you feel like you should lose weight but you don't want to as you think you'll look worse?

Here for the comments 💅

I can relate. I was over weight but had banging boobs with it.

I've lost alot of weight and now have an awful saggy body.

My BMI is 'normal' not obese but I've lost all my confidence as it's taken all my good points away and left me with lose skim and tubular breasts.

Actually a lot of older ladies who are a healthy weight and look good in clothes are very very saggy. This could be what means. The skin isn’t going to ping back entirely with weight loss. So she might look worse.

Yes, we cross posted.

It’s actually a bit sad that a lady can post saying she thinks she looks good but isn’t healthy weight and people essentially respond by saying you must be joking.

You are way too heavy for your height. Have you got a special mirror that makes you think you look good? What size clothes do you wear? You'll look so much better if you lose say, 3 stone.

No, I haven't got health conditions but we are more likely to develop health conditions as we get older. I am losing weight because it will probably be better for me as I age. It will probably reduce the likelihood of me developing health conditions. I am just sad at the thought of not looking as attractive as I do now, once I have lost weight.

why are you so certain that 1) the weight will come off easily, 2) you will lose so much you will lose all your curves and 3) that you won't enjoy looking at yourself just as much as you do now whatever your new shape is?

You have a problem.

Op my aunt was late 60’s and got ill which actually caused the weight loss. She was not heavy beforehand but even she ended up with saggy skin and breasts. She said she looks like a dehydrated lizard when naked. She has coped by focusing on buying nice outfits which, with the help of a well constructed bra, means she gets compliments. The tricky bit is the face; but any older woman who is a slim size looks wrinkly imho.

I'm a size 16 op...like you, well proportioned. I actually am not especially unhappy with my weight. I don't hate myself...I think I mostly look nice. My motivation for losing weight is purely to do with clothes as I think being slimmer gives you more clothing and fashion choice.

Good for you by the way for being happy in your own skin.

I’m similar age and height to you OP. I weigh 11.5 stones and I am obese and look awful. I admire your self confidence but I’m struggling to believe that you look good at 14 stone.

I understand what you mean. At 12 and a half stone and 5ft 3 I like a lot about my body (curvy with great boobs and bum/hips). It does make me 2.5 stone overweight but when I lose weight I end up looking saggy. I choose to stay halfway between normal BMI and obese so am working to get to 11.5 stone. Still overweight but not thin. I am very healthy with regards to eating and exercise I just eat a bit too much. It's not the end of the world and there are plenty of studies saying it isn't the fat that causes the health problems generally it is the lifestyle that most overweight people lead. If you eat plenty of veg and fruit, don't eat much crap (sweets, crisps, UPFs etc) and get a good amount of exercise you'll be fine. Try getting down to overweight instead of obese and you may find you keep a fair bit about your figure that you like but minimise any health risks.

5’1 and 14 stone is a bit too heavy even if you are solid muscle.

I do not like the skinny look or saggy skin look. But I would think you need to loose 3-4 stone and you would still not be too thin.

Yes I agree. Some vile comments. It really does upset some people when they find out some women actually quite like themselves

Yes sounds like you were raised to have high self esteem. I was too.

Agreed! People have a lot of issues when it comes to weight and body image and use 'health' to cover themselves. I appreciate it isn't healthy to be very very fat but some fat is not an issue - even a few stone of it. I am healthier than the majority of thin people I know!

No. This is not a wind up. I wasn't brought up to feel that I should look a certain way. I was raised to appreciate myself for the individual that I am.“

Which is very laudable but at some point we all have to put our health first. Without looking it up, it’s obvious that you’re either obese or morbidly obese. That’s going to have repercussions as you age. Applies to all of us unfortunately.

Unless you go on an extreme crash diet, your skin is unlikely to sag to the extent that you lose your looks.

PROVIDED....... you exercise at least 30-40 minutes 6 days a week, especially weight and resistance based exercise. Look at Caroline Girvan on YouTube - her workouts have changed lives.

And eat plenty of lean protein and lots of vegetables.

There are actually studies that show that being very slightly overweight is actually protective for your health. Obviously not a huge amount! I can't do links but if you Google it you'll see.

Well she is thinking about her health. She’s said she worries it will compromise her looks and is asking how others coped with that.

Im actually healthy bmi ( for all that means); but I am a fat crusader on here to the extent that it seems to be the last bastion of outspoken nastiness in a world where noone can say what they think. Some incredibly rude and judgmental comments get going round about heavier people.