Today some coworkers and I were discussing ideal weights at different ages. The general consensus was that while one weight might look incredible on someone in their 20's, it might make someone in their 40's look older than they actually are. The word thrown around was gaunt, which if you don't know what the means picture a sickly person with bones sticking out (kind of an extreme example). Someone I worked with mention that really thin middle aged women seem more wrinkly. (Not sure if I agree with that?)

The main thing that most people agreed with is that whatever you think is an ideal weight in your 20's (if it's quite thin like my ideal 110 lbs) you should add about 5 lbs for each decade you age to keep up with looking a little more "plump" since the little extra fat makes you look more youthful.

Do you agree? Disagree? What would you say your rule of thumb would be?

My sister was fond of saying that as you age you have to choose your face or your butt. What she meant was that if you choose a skinny butt, your face is going to look more drawn and haggard as you age and lose collagen and elasticity - thus skinny butt, older looking face. On the other hand, if you gain a few pounds and keep your face filled out - you can look younger in the face but you might be carrying a few more pounds in the back side. And yes, as you lose elasticity in your skin you will tend to have more saggy skin which can look wrinkly.

I agree with your comment Bloomin' - you can go thinner and look good in your 20's and 30's but that same weight probably would not work as well in your 40s and 50s. Can't put an exact number like 5 pounds but fair to say that you can carry a bit more weight. Especially if you tanned a lot in your youth - sun damage is a real thing and takes it's toll on your face, arms and chest - and nothing fixes that. You will also find that as time goes on gravity and things like pregnancy will also change your body shape a bit.

Interesting...I wonder if the best case scenario in your 40's or 50's is to pick your face over your butt, but maybe work out to keep toned?

Unfortunately we can't choose where our nutrients
decide to stay. If we could we'd all look our
perfect way (large or small breasts, hips, butts)
all our years. The face could be a last place
for some to lose and earliest for others. Gaunt
is generally reflection from the face first. I'm
in my 40s and here to lose again what I
previouslylost. I might have to experience such
a pain. I'll need to decide where my best
weight is if I do get the gaunt look.