When I started dieting I was 243 and now I am 233, But my pants and other clothes still feel the same on me. I know this is a silly question, but how much weight do I have to loose to notice a change?

They say every 10##s = 1 size.

In my case, since I was wearing clothes that were too tight to begin with, I really didn't notice until I was over 20 lbs difference. Everyone is different.

It will come soon enough, keep going!

For me, wearing plus-size clothes, about every 20 pounds is equal to a size. BUT so many companys have strange sizing, for example, I wear a 22 in lane bryant jeans, a 24 or 26 in fashion bug brand skirts and a 20 in tommy hilfiger jeans! Go figure!? I base my true size off lane bryant clothes though, because they are so consistant.

Like Beth, my clothes were snug on me when I started. I couldn't comfortably wear my size 20 (UK) M&S jeans and now they are getting quite loose. I reckon about 20 pounds equalled my first size drop but my next one will probably be a bit less. I'm 5'4", BTW.

It took me a while, I can see myself in the wearing clothes that were too small in the first place thing!

Also, I have a theory that because of the design of a lot of fat persons clothes they stretch and shrink with you a bit more than skinny ones so hide your loss a bit more. An elasticated waist might be more forgiving on the way up, but stick with you for longer on the way down.

Just a theory though.

The other figure I've heard is 10% per size, so for the bigger sizes that's more of a drop per size.

Personally, I noticed my suit trousers in particular loosening after about 10lb, but only really saw the difference after 25 - 30.

For me, the 10lb a size theory is a complete fallacy. For me it's been 20lb a size. I felt like you, the first 10 lb I didn't feel any different, but now I am noticeably smaller (I know this coz people are forever asking me how much weight I have lost!! Which is very nice!!)

I kno how you're feelin'! I've lost 27lbs and I just now went from an 18 to a 16, and only some 16's will fit me. Just gotta keep going!

I don't remember that first clothes drop, but I do know that now a slight gain can make my clothes feel tight. It seems to take longer for my clothes size to drop, but a lot easier for them to get tighter. Is there some kind of weight loss law that covers that?

I believe that 10 lb/size reference applies more to smaller sizes. For plus sizes, it's definitely more along the lines of 20. Consider it along the lines of the The Paper Towel Theory, which illustrates the increasing impact of pounds lost the smaller you get. So be patient, it'll come! Also, be forewarned, you will probably notice changes in how your clothes fit before others start to notice the changes in you. I first started to see changes at around 20-25 pounds. My partner said she could see it before then (she's very sweet to me ) and coworkers and friends started to observe changes at around 25-30 pounds, as I recall.

Keep going -- and remember that Paper Towel Theory!

Thanks, Sarah, for reminding us of that Paper Towel Theory again. I just love it, and it's held soooo true for me.

When I was heavier, I saw a size change at 20 pounds or so, but now that I'm smaller, I notice changes at 10-15 pounds. I bet tiny tiny folks notice changes at 5 pounds. An incentive to maintain, for sure!

Hang in there -- I promise you and everyone else will see a difference if you keep up the good work. I know how easy it is to be impatient, but wow, time flies after awhile!

I've lost 25lb & about 1.5 sizes but no one notices I've lost anything.

I'll just have to keep at it!

In the past (sigh) when I've lost weight - I've noticed a difference at around 20 pounds. People usually start to actually notice around 20-30 pounds.

You are on your way! Keep up the great work!!

And talking about other people seeing a difference, I find that sometimes people don't want to mention it too soon - they wait until they're absolutely sure you're losing weight, or ask other people but don't mention it to me. I found out the other week that my secretary has been bombarded with questions about my weight loss, but that none of them have had the guts to mention it to me!

Maybe never! I have noticed a change in the way a few of my clothes fit, but for the most part when I look in the mirror I still see the same fat blob I was nearly 100 lbs ago...one thing that has made the difference though is looking at old pictures and comparing them to now...definitely noticeable! So I would suggest taking alot of before pictures.