“Overweight” but don’t feel you look it?

[Anonymous]

Anyone else feel like the number on the scale doesn’t correlate with how they look? 5’5 and 162 and I feel like I look healthy, not overweight. Typically wear a size 10, sometimes 8 or 12 depending on brand, and have a broader frame. I guess it’s just disheartening to hear people say they are definitely overweight or definitely have pounds to lose at a similar weight/height. Wondering if I’m just delusional …

[Anonymous]

I don’t think you’re delusional. I am a similar height and weight to you, but a smaller build, and I carry a lot of it in my face and stomach. So, I feel like I would feel better at a lower weight. However, I feel and look healthiest on the high end of “healthy” weight for my height. So much depends on where we carry our weight and amount of muscle mass.

I have a family member who by weight and clothing size would probably be considered overweight, but she has a broader, athletic build, is very physically active, etc.

[Anonymous]

BMI isn't really a good indicator of health, fat, etc

[Anonymous]

I'm the exact same height and weight and I do feel overweight but agree with PP that a lot of it depends on where/how your carry it, muscle mass etc. I carry mine essentially all in my belly, with very low muscle mass.

[Anonymous]

There is a lot of variety in bodies in terms of density, where you carry weight, how your frame carries it, and your muscle-to-fat ratio, etc. This is why conversations about sizes, height/weight, BMI are very unproductive because two people could have the same stats but one could feel unhealthy and the other might feel good and strong.

If you feel good at your current weight and your body can do the things you want to do, the number on the scale or on the clothing tag does not matter.

We also need to do a better job as a society of accepting that your really can be healthy at a broad range of sizes, anywhere from 0 to 22, and that there are lots of factors that impact health other than weight.

[Anonymous]

If you're concerned about weight and health, talk to a doctor check your bloodwork, etc. But that also shouldn't affect if you like yourself when you look in the mirror.

And if you feel good about how you look and comfortable in your clothes, that's great.

It's good to like how you look. It's good to feel comfortable in your skin.

[Anonymous]

I think I might have the same thing going. Was very pretty and popular in high school, still looked great in college. Went into political campaigns and lived off ciggies and beer, and then it all caught up to me.

Now I'm like a size 12/14, and still have that "I look good" mentality, and then am surprised when I see photos of myself. I work out a few days a week, but I also eat whatever I want. Oh well.

[Anonymous]

I'm about the same size as you (8-10, about 5'5). If you are healthy, like really take good care of your health, and feel good about yourself then don't worry about it. The number on the scale is really not that big of a deal.

A lot of people are harder on themselves than they are on others and many people do have poor self-image. Also, many women the same size or weight as you may not actually eat healthy or exercise and assume that if they did they would lose weight, whether or not that is true.

I will add though, that I think a fair amount of this feeling is context based. I'm pretty average for a mom my age in the circles I spend time in. When I travelled in SE Asia at this size I felt HUGE and did not like the attention my size drew (like random people on the street calling me fat). If I was always the largest woman in the room by 25 lbs. I think I would feel differently.

[Anonymous]

I get the impression that a lot of women tend to beat themselves over their weight no matter what it is and men tend to think they look fine no matter if they do or don't. It's great that you feel good about yourself.

Right now, I'm in the position of feeling that I look much better after I've lost 30 pounds but I'm still 10 pounds overweight according to BMI. I question how much more I want to work to get there or am I "good enough".

I know there are various thoughts on BMI, but I just had a InBody Scan with a nutritionist and it indicates that I do have extra fat (not extra muscle as I had wished for). Specifically, I have visceral fat which is supposed to be extra risky to health.

There is an episode on Weight Loss for Busy Physicians podcast about how to set your goals. She's open minded about the topic.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't matter what your weight is. If you feel good and are happy about your appearance it's no one's business but yours. Don't know how what you're feeling is any different from the person who says they feel their best at 5'5 and 110 lbs, yet you bet your bottom dollar that person will get blasted with messages that they're mentally unstable, and have disordered eating.

[Anonymous]

It does not matter what the scale says, OP - it makes how you are taking care of yourself and how you feel. I got really into an intense workout practice a couple of years ago. I am in the best shape of my life - work out a ton, eat very clean, feel amazing - but the scale is 10 lbs higher than it was before I was so healthy. I would rather be a little heavier and feel super fit and happy and than be "skinny fat."

[Anonymous]

Bodies are different, OP. Healthcare providers are always surprised I weigh what I do - but I have a lot more muscle mass than most women, so my weight is not associated with ill health. For women with different builds, sure, it might be too much weight for them to feel healthy. I mean, I’m shocked when I hear women at my height 5’8 who describe themselves as “slim” when they weigh 125. I’d look skeletal at that weight.

[Anonymous]

Not sure if anyone has said this but be wary of vanity sizing. I should be a solid size medium and yet there are many brands of clothes that I can fit a small…sometimes xs. I am 5’8 and 151. I’ve gained almost 10 pounds since the pandemic. I think I have only about 4-5 more pounds to go before I start to look overweight. I am carrying most of my extra weight in the tummy and hips.

[Anonymous]

Pp here….sorry. Had a few more thoughts…..however all in all…if you feel healthy and feel that you aren’t overweight then don’t make it into a thing. I personally, am hoping to lose at least 6 pounds because I feel better about myself when I’m smaller. I also feel too heavy right now. I do however, like that I’m a bit more hippy. It feels more feminine on my tall frame. I definitely do not want to get back to 141. So try not to focus on it if you are content.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think I might have the same thing going. Was very pretty and popular in high school, still looked great in college. Went into political campaigns and lived off ciggies and beer, and then it all caught up to me.

Now I'm like a size 12/14, and still have that "I look good" mentality, and then am surprised when I see photos of myself. I work out a few days a week, but I also eat whatever I want. Oh well.

This is me. I honestly think I look good but….