[Chubzo]

So, back in the day I went to a personal trainer who did the whole sha-bang with you know, weight, measurements, body fat, etc. Well, she told me that the reason why at the time (when I weighted 195lbs) that I look ok at such a high weight was because I had "dense" fat as in my fat cells were more clumped together. She went on to explain that there is dense fat and then there is non-dense fat? When a person has dense fat it is harder to see a change in themselves physically, but a person with non-dense fat sees a lot of change quickly (or at least quicker).

I was just wondering from those with experience the validity of this? I mean, I wasn't hurt by her comment, but just disappointed about the possibility of not seeing big results.

[TexasKari]

Hi Chubzo! I have no idea about this, but am interested. I am currently 200lb and was at this weight 13 years ago in my early 20's. When I tell people where I am now and what I was at my largest of 322, they are shocked I weigh as much as I do. If I went by appearances, I might be tempted to stay at this point in my weight loss as it "looks" healthy. I'm still truckin to loose that last 50 lb, but I'm interested to know if anyone can answer your question for you as I think I'm in the same boat. Good luck with your journey!

[Starrynight]

Hmm.. that is very interesting! I know that my stomach has looser fat even if my waist is defined, so when I lose its incredibly noticeable.. but when it comes to the sides of my outer thighs which have always felt solid, I was surprised to see it gone when I got down to 140ish previously.. I don't know though, but I would like to know more!

[Kirjava]

I think I understand what your trainer means. My mother, for instance, is morbidly obese, but solidly so; she doesn't get muffin top if she wears tighter pants, and she doesn't jiggle. Compare that to my aunt, who is probably the same weight as my mother, but has what I call looser fat. Her belly droops a lot and the fat seems really soft to the touch. I have very soft, squishy fat as well.

I think the difference may be why I see some people who are significantly larger than me and still think they look more fit and almost leaner in a way. They carry their fat better because it's more solid and less saggy and droopy than mine. I think people who have solid fat look like the fat is just part of their natural body type, whereas those who have looser fat (like me) look like the fat is hanging off them. It's clearly out of proportion with my actual body type.

[shcirerf]

I have 2 sisters and we've lost, gained, had kids, lost gained etc. over the years. but it's weird, my youngest sister no matter what, always looks the best. She's solid as a rock. Then it's me, then my middle sis.

I think, part of it is the amount of physical activity, your diet and genetics.

Youngest sis and I are much more physically active with jobs and such than the middle sis, so middle sis seems more fluffy.

Anyway, on a funny note about body types, a few years ago, I stopped in a quick trip about 40 miles from home for some gas, went in to pay and get a cold drink, I was bent down, grabbing my soda out of the cooler, my youngest sis worked in this place, but wasn't there that morning, a salesman, popped in, and unknowingly, started to give me his usual ration of BS that he normally gave my sis. I knew this guy, he was so embarassed when I stood up and turned around and said "hey, that's hilarious, but I'm not Lex!

You could have heard a pin drop!

Long story short, our butts look so much alike, he had no clue.