Body Image Issues

I like to look at this from time to time to remind myself that the weight on the scale is just a number :)

http://pinterest.com/pin/199073246000738
819/

I agree with what others posted. Go get your body comp and see where you are at. Depending on what you get you might want to tone more which could end up increasing your weight but overall makes your body look better.

Good luck! :)

There is no perfect. You are uniquely you. You can't compare you weight or body to anyone else. You have your own genetic programming that makes you who you are. Your body is programmed at conception with your muscle composition, bone length, body fat cells, distribution, etc. There are so many variations that make you you. It is amazing when you think about it. The most you can do is create the best version of you -- and make it something you can live with.

The fitness models and athletes we may see pictured go to extremes for those results. And if they are honest, they will admit that they don't always look like that. If they have a shoot or competition scheduled, they go to extremes with carb cutting, They'll even intentionally water load and then dehydrate right beforehand. It's crazy and unsustainable.

Good health is way, way more than a number on the scale. Are you feeding your body right? Do you have energy to carry you through the day? Are you sleeping well? Have you eliminated or minimized health conditions? Is your body able to carry you through the day? This is real health.

As far as BMI, I think that measurement borders on useless. Body fat composition is much more important. A person could be within BMI but have very little muscle mass, which makes them unhealthy, or they could have a lot of muscle mass, which classifies them as overweight/obese. I'm overweight according to my BMI, but I wear a size 6 and a have 23.5% BF.

"I am at goal, and I can't say I am so happy." Your feeling of happiness, self-esteem or confidence should not be based on the number on the scale. "Maybe 135 isn't good enough?" Good enough for what? To be loved? To be accepted? If you can't overcome these feelings, please seek help. Often our weight runs so much deeper than the number on the scale runs so perhaps there are some underlying issues someone could help you with.

I agree that a body fat test may be helpful. Also toning might really work for you, if it's muscle definition you are hoping to see. I would definately recommend you talk to a health professional about your body image issues. You have accomplished a lot and should be proud of yourself.

AHUVAK1,

Good health really does some in many different shapes and sizes. I'm roughly 5ft5" tall. I weigh around 145 pounds. Some people might think that's fat. If you were to look at me, you would say that. Many people tell me how skinny I am. LOL !! I'm pretty fit and exercise regularly. As a result of my increased lean muscle, I am densely packed and look small. But, I weigh more because of that lean muscle.

If you are an active young woman, you probably have more lean muscle than you think. Which is why I too am going to encourage you to have your body fat percentage checked. Have a personal trainer do a 9 point caliper test. Don't let them use a body fat scale or those hand held monitors. they are notoriously inaccurate. Make them use the calipers. They'll take measurements at 9 points on your body. those readings will then by plugged into equations and the results will be your body fat.

at 145 pounds, my body fat was measured at 16%. Would you call some with 16% body fat overweight ?

This is why you can't beat yourself up if you don't weigh a particular number. someone who's 5ft 5" is very different from another person who's 5ft 5". Check out this website. You'll see how different women's bodies can be.

www.mybodygallery.com/search.html?height=5
+7&weight=170&pant=any&shirt=any&zp

As Kris mentioned, I would recommend having your fat percentage checked. That is a better indicator of where you are rather than BMI. You are at a healthy weight for your height. Where do the 120 or 125 numbers come from? Is it what you weighed in high school or just a number that sticks out in your head as being ideal? Those weights aren't ideal for everyone, but sometimes we get so stuck on a number for one reason or another, even if it isn't healthy or realistic for their body type.

You mentioned that you have body image issues and it does sound like it might be a good idea to talk with your doctor and/or other health professional that specializes in body image issues to help you work through this as it isn't something that will just go away on its own.

Coach Denise

Well apart from the fact that there ISN'T a perfect BMI, if there were, yours at approx. 22.5 would be ideal.

You say "Maybe I need to work on my fat/muscle ratio. Ii dont know, but I am at goal...." Maybe this is all in your head rather than reality??? Maybe you could visit a gym and ask if they do a 9 point caliper skin fold test to see what your fat percentage is.

It isn't uncommon for people to see themselves in a way that isn't accurate, and you admit you have body image issues. I would be inclined to talk with your Dr about this, and be guided by him/her. Also, it wouldn't hurt to ask for a referral to a Therapist who deals with this sort of thing, because you just might end up harming your physical and mental self because you are chasing an unrealistic dream.

Perhaps each day you need to look at yourself in the mirror and say "I look GREAT!" Not only say it, but MEAN it too!

Good luck,
Kris

I've posted before asking about what is the ideal BMI a person should reach. I've heard responses that you should stop dieting when you feel good about your body. The thing is, I have some body image issues, and I'm not really sure I could ever be SO happy with my body. Maybe I need to work on my fat/muscle ratio. Ii dont know, but I am at goal, and I can't say I am so happy. I feel like so many other girls like me (27 years old, 5'5") want to weigh more like 125 or even 120. Maybe 135 isn't good enough? I dont' know. I am confused and kind of upset :(