Why should I go from a 10 to a 6?

[Anonymous]

I’m late thirties, three kids, very fit (do circuit workouts 3-4 times a week) but still slightly overweight. Originally I wanted to get back down to a size six before my 40th birthday at the end of this year but now am questioning my motivation. Is there any reason - aside from vanity - why it’s better to be a size 6 than a size 10? Bloodwork is perfect and as mentioned I’m in great shape: can run and lift with the best of them, I have a ton of energy and I’m very active.

[Anonymous]

Overweight is hard on joints and also contributes to avoidance of certain exercises. For instance, if I'm overweight, I may feel like I'm running and lifting fine, but I probably avoid pullups, handstand holds, etc. I therefore miss out on a whole range of movement and it becomes a vicious circle.

Also, your reference group ("the best of them") might not really be what you want it to be.

[Anonymous]

If you're healthy and strong, you're good

[Anonymous]

You are overweight. You are not healthy. It’s very bad on your joints.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Overweight is hard on joints and also contributes to avoidance of certain exercises. For instance, if I'm overweight, I may feel like I'm running and lifting fine, but I probably avoid pullups, handstand holds, etc. I therefore miss out on a whole range of movement and it becomes a vicious circle.

Also, your reference group ("the best of them") might not really be what you want it to be.

I would be also curious how you define "the best of them".

[Anonymous]

Split the difference and get to an 8.

[Anonymous]

I agree that it’s the wear and tear from carrying around the extra weight. I absolutely believe we can be attractive at any size. But also believe people minimize the effect of X extra pounds. Do you lift? Go to the gym and pick up a weight of X extra pounds. Can you really say it’s nothing?

[Anonymous]

I cannot remotely relate to the PPs. Health? They are full of it. You are bit jeopardizing your health (the precious joints! Omg) but being 5-10 lbs overweight. (Also, are you even technically overweight? At 5’8, I was a size 10 at BMI 24.)

For me, it’s all about vanity and feeling sexy.

[Anonymous]

How can any of us answer this fully without knowing your height and body type? If you are 5 ft tall and carry the extra weight in your belly, you probably should work on losing some weight. If you are 5’10” and proportional, you sound in great shape.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Split the difference and get to an 8.

This is OP. I wear an 8 or a 10 depending on brand.

[Anonymous]

What's your height OP?
If you're 6'3" and a size 10, you're good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can any of us answer this fully without knowing your height and body type? If you are 5 ft tall and carry the extra weight in your belly, you probably should work on losing some weight. If you are 5’10” and proportional, you sound in great shape.

I am 5’3. I have an hourglass figure and my hips/bust are 10+ inches wider than my waist. I can run several miles consistently and lift much heavier than the other women at my gym (30/35 pound free weights for arm/chest exercises and much heavier for squats, bridges etc). I’m on vacation and swim, run, ride bikes, play frisbee, play tennis etc easily.

[Anonymous]

A slightly overweight BMI is actually the healthiest. I am also size 10 but quite fit and although I’d like to be a 6 I’m not sure it’s worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How can any of us answer this fully without knowing your height and body type? If you are 5 ft tall and carry the extra weight in your belly, you probably should work on losing some weight. If you are 5’10” and proportional, you sound in great shape.

I am 5’3. I have an hourglass figure and my hips/bust are 10+ inches wider than my waist. I can run several miles consistently and lift much heavier than the other women at my gym (30/35 pound free weights for arm/chest exercises and much heavier for squats, bridges etc). I’m on vacation and swim, run, ride bikes, play frisbee, play tennis etc easily.

You’re good! As long as your diet is healthy, seems like you are fit with a lot of muscle and a genetic pear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A slightly overweight BMI is actually the healthiest. I am also size 10 but quite fit and although I’d like to be a 6 I’m not sure it’s worth it.

This is OP. This is what I’m asking. I feel comfortable, healthy, fit; my labs and bloodwork are great. I take no prescription drugs and have no chronic health conditions. Do I really need to lose another 20-30 pounds? I remember not eating quite frequently to maintain a size 4/6 physique (pre-kids). Is that really healthier? Better? Why?