I was once 206, now down to 173.6

I was down to 145 at one point, but still had a pretty pudgy belly, and thick thighs and arms.

At the moment, my goal is 140 lbs. But how can I know exactly what is healthy for me? I know my healthy BMI is 118 to 159...but where should I shoot for? How can I tell what is best for me?

Note: I am 23, female.

Health isn't based on your weight. You can be very skinny and unhealthy and you can be heavier than you might expect and be healthy.

BMI is not an individual measure it is a tool to measure populations.

If you want to know if you're healthy, go to a doctor and get a physical exam with a blood panel. Then you'll know if you're healthy, or not.

I was healthy at 250 lbs but I wasn't happy. Now I'm happy but I'm not satisfied. Where you end up is entirely your choice and something that you'll probably change over time.

JohnP has a good point. A doctor can properly point you the right direction of what's healthiest for you.

If what you're looking for is a certain body look, that doesn't always have something to do with weight.

Granted, I know I cannot achieve the body I'd like while staying 300lbs, BUT as I get closer to a healthier weight that my exercise and activity goals will help form the body I want.

Sometimes people within a healthy weight range focus on pounds when they can honestly focus on inches and activity goals that may change the way their body looks more than losing pounds will.

Here is one place to get an idea of what your ideal weight might be. What is ideal for you may be different.

http://www.calculator.net/ideal-weight-calculator.html

Larry

it's totally a you thing, i think, as weight doesn't necessarily determine your health. when you feel comfortable -- that's when i'd stop.

Why not set your goal for 140, then when you get there, you can determine if you're happy and comfortable at that weight? If not, you can always aim to lose more. My initial goal was 138, but when I got close I realized I was not satisfied. I've lowered my goal bit by bit from 138, 135, 132, 130 and now 128.

It's all about where you feel good.

Thanks to all of you!

I looked at that calculator and it averages out to 135 as my ideal weight. So I'll shoot for 140 and then see if I need to lose that extra 5, or 10 pounds as several suggested.

I'd love to go to a doctor but I don't have insurance, sadly, but that is a great idea if I ever get the chance.

My original goal was to have a normal BMI (which I have reached just barely). But now I am shooting more towards 125-135lbs instead. Once upon a time I did weigh that much or that little I should say. Really the big goal is to be in single digit clothing sizes again. 8 would be good, 6 would be better...

I was almost in a size 10 when I was 145. Could fit in some, not others, depending on the cut of the jean. So I'm hoping at 135 I can be a comfortable size 10...or even an 8! Maybe I should shoot for a size 8-10 instead of a weight since that focuses on inches.

I think it all depends on what you prefer. I am 5'0, but I have a muscular build so when I was 130 I was in a size 6 and in shape. Most people tell me I should only weigh 110 because of my height, but I am going to get to what makes me feel the most comfortable. You just do you and don't worry about what all the charts and graphs say.

See, this is my take on goal weight. It has to be one that I can maintain without being miserable. I have to be able to eat similarly to what I am eating now (I eat about 1300-1400 calories a day). I need to be able to maintain it on exercising an hour 6 days a week. If I need to exercise 2 hours a day and eat less than 1100 calories a day, then it's not worth it JUST to be a certain weight on the scale.

I have my tentative goal as 175, but it's a completely fluid end goal. I'll find it when I get there. It might be 180, might be 160 - who knows until I get closer!

Also, there's a difference between 140 and 140.

http://everydaypaleo.com/2011/06/22/...ddicts-part-2/

That was great! Makes my 5 hours at the gym already this week worth a lot more than weight loss - it's reshaping my body. OK, maybe 6-8 hours a week at fitness won't get me that body, but I'm not going for that body... I'm just trying to be more fit!

Wow what a terrific weight miss mlgibson,I should like to congratulate you..."That weight was a what I want also...That's my goal weight i hope i can reach in that weight also....

Interesting thread as you are the same height as me!

My goAl weight is 140

Im quite "broad" though, Wide frame, Hour glass frame, carry alot of weight on my legs .
Once im there i will decide if i need to go down more or maintain there .i MIGHT try to do 131 so i can say ive lost 100lbs- but thats my "competitive" side!!!) TBH i look ok at 160 so i have plenty of wiggle room!

My aim is to be on this diet for a year, so ive got to next march. hopefully by then i will have worked out what works & how to maintain sensibly!