I would not set a goal that low, because you and I have a very similar body shape. I am 5'5 and according to BMI I should be 150lbs or less. The only time I got close to that, when I was 165, everyone thought I was sick and had me evaluated for an eating disorder (no joke, my church set up a prayer group and everything) and it was true, I looked horrible and felt horrible. So my goal is 175. I feel and look great, curves and all when I am in the 180s. It's just about where you feel the best and still have your curves, and not getting dangerously low. BMI is not that great of a judge for what weight should be your goal, but you will know as you start to lose weight where you are most comfortable and still have your curves.

I know you're new so you don't "know" anyone here, but that comment wasn't meant as rude, it was honest.

How you "feel" doesn't mean a whole lot because someone can be unhealthy without feeling bad. The truth of the matter is, as you agree, weight needs to be lost. When you put yourself out there and ask a question on the internet, sometimes you may get answers you don't like. I promise that comment wasn't meant to be rude or make you feel bad though!

So . . . you want to lose 115 pounds in six months? Do you think it's realistic and sustianable for you to lose 5 pounds each week (that's nearly 3/4 of a pound a day!) until you reach your goal? Most people can't safely lose more than 2 pounds per week, especially for an extended period of time, and with these kinds of expectations you're likely setting yourself up for failure. We can control all sorts of weight loss-related issues, including what we eat and how much we exercise. What we can't control is the rate at which our body decides to drop the pounds.

I understand that this is all vanity for you (and that's fine), but what are you going to do if you don't lose 10-20 pounds each month? It's understandable you already feel healthy (you're young!) but a weight loss journey will set you up for so much more success if you focus on building healthy habits rather than running around with the mindset of OMG I need to be skinny.

I think a more important question to ask yourself right now is what kind of plan will work best for you, rather than be concerned about people saying you won't look "right" at a supposedly ideal number. You still have a ways to go before you approach your ideal weight, whatever it may be. Don't get caught up too much on the goal number, which may or may not be realistic depending your body type. In the meantime, focus on what you can do now through a healthy approach. Keep it up and time will take care of everything else.

I know you've already expressed that you think people here are being rude, but the members speak from experience and with a kind heart. We know how difficult weight loss is. We understand wanting to be as small as our peers. And it doesn't matter how healthy you feel at 240 pounds, the fact of the matter is that if something isn't done you won't always feel so healthy. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be skinny, but don't let that and the time frame be your main focus.

I have been thin and I have been heavy. Right now, I am in between. What I have learned from all of this is that short term views don't work. Forget the 'I have to lose 115 lbs in 6 months' mentality because the overwhelming chance is that you will fail at that. If it were easy there wouldn't be millions of people worldwide struggling with their weight. You have to make a life change and stick with it. Don't jump in the deep end without first checking if the water is too cold. Ease into it and lose the weight in a sustainable healthy manner. You can do it and reach whatever goal weight you set for yourself - just don't try to do it in an unreasonable time frame that will require crazy efforts to achieve. If you teach yourself that you can lose weight in a healthy, manageable way, then it will be a much more pleasant and life long experience. We are here to support you and root you on. Good luck.