Hi ladies

I'm new to these boards but just wanted to ask for some opinions...

Today, I weighed myself for the first time since last summer - since then, my life has changed drastically, I've moved cities, changed jobs, started Zumba classes... I was not particularly watching my weight although I did really need to lose some. Last July I was 15st (I'm 5ft 4) and had a BMI of 32. Dress size 18/20.

I bought some new scales and weighed myself this morning - 10 stone 5 pounds! (My first thought was that the scales must be broken!) BMI now 25.

I know there have been some changes - my face is noticeably smaller (from photos I have compared) but that's all I can see. My clothes, although they feel more comfortable, are still size 18/20. I just don't understand how this makes sense as the weight loss seems huge, but I just can't see the results??

Would love to hear your thoughts!

First off huge congratulations on your weight loss! As for the clothing, are you sure you're really still the same dress size? Not doubting you or anything like that but if the 20 was tight before and the 18 is comfy now then that's a reasonable decrease in anyone's books. Also, are the sizes from the same stores? Plenty are guilty of vanity sizing (where the number size stays the same but the inch size is actually bigger - they do it to flatter us apparently!). New Look are particularly bad for this in their Inspire Range - I can get into an 18 in their jeans and have the 22 from Evans glued to me!.

Weight loss isn't uniform across the body by any means so that could also be a factor in why you feel you're still the same size. I lose from my face first, then my legs and my tummy is staying firmly put -2.5 stone later.

This has been really bugging me, so I've just been into M&S to try on some clothes just to 'see'.

Most of my clothes have been M&S. And you are right, going from a tight 20 to a comfy 18 IS a difference, but one I've not noticed or really acknowledged.

Realistically, I was previously a 20 on top and 18 on the bottom. Both tight-fitting, I guess.

I'm still wearing size 18 clothes but they are just comfortable now, not exactly falling off me - which is why I assumed I hadn't lost any or much weight.

But in M&S today, I tried on a size 16 top (which fit much better around the shoulders, but still a little tight - I have always been busty, though, so not overly surprised) and the 18 was better.

Also fit into size 16 jeans

The weirdest part is getting my head around it - I nearly went into Boots and bought brand new scales because I am still half-convinced mine are broken.

I still look exactly the same in my eyes (apart from the face, which is noticeable), it is really difficult to get my head around!

Thanks for your reply though, what you said definitely makes sense

I agree that going down a size certainly IS a difference. Also, since you're busty... have you tried Bravissimo/Pepperberry? You might find that wearing a shirt with more room in the bust by a smaller waist looks a lot better on you too. Since you're in the UK check if they have a store near you (I know I'd definitely shop there if I was in the UK!).

Another thing... have you been exercising during your journey? Exercise (especially weight lifting) will help you to lose more inches than diet alone.

If you look at a size chart the difference in inches of fabric isn't huge (compared to the difference in our bodies) I can wear a size 14/16 dress but I know if I tried on a size 24 I could wear it as baggy.

I think its down to your perception of what size you are, and its worse with your own clothes you have memories of wearing them at the other weight.
I would go try some new clothes on or see one of those personal stylists they have a free service in certain large high street department stores.

I know exactly what you mean about it taking time to get your head around being a new size. I went from 18/20, down to 16, and then I obstinately insisted I was a size 16 for AGES afterwards until somebody persuaded me to try a lower size, and then I ended up in 12-14s. I was so convinced that I was a 16, it never occurred to me that I could be any less.
I'm 10-12 now, I'm not afraid of trying on smaller sizes any more as my weight goes down

thats some impressive weight loss without even really trying, a bit strange about how your dress size hasnt change... have no idea why you would still be the same size but im sure your clothes will reduce eventually, thats if you are still unhappy with them being the size they are... good luck with it anyways xx

I have to agree with the posters who commented on your perception of your size. I was exploding out of my size 20's when I started and it seemed to take aaaages before I went down a bit. I'm also quite busty and have hardly lost any weight from there so still need slightly bigger tops. My wardrobe changed dramatically when I started trying clothes in different shops and actually dared to try smaller sizes. The whole vanity sizing thing is very true and I find differences of about 2 sizes from one store to the next.

Definitely try a few different stores.

Congrats on the weight loss!

I was in Scotland for almost three months and I bought some clothes at M & S...they have some weird sizings! As a result of my shoppings, I came back with a size 14 top (which is snug on the breasts, but loose on the waist), 18 long linen trousers and 20 medium cargo pants (no long, snif ;-. For all the other tops I tried, size 18 was okay, but still a bit too loose on the waist and too short. I tried to get jeans a few weeks prior to this purchase, and I could only get in the size 24!! They have some weird sizing there!! (and size 18 nightdresses were too big for me).

Also, I have two size 20 jeans from Evans, one of them being pretty tight on the legs (pretty good, btw).