Body image after weight loss?

FitFTW

FitFTW

Active member
SW: 233 lbs, LW: around 198 lbs, GW: 160 lbs, CW: 147 lbs. 39 yo male, 5'5

I think I've been at my target weight for about a year now. I haven't been trying for more loss since then. I've been putting my effort into gaining muscle. The weirdest thing has been how I still don't see it sometimes. The first picture is from February '24 when I began. The 2nd is today. I still imagine the guy on the left when I'm looking in the mirror or putting on clothes. It caught me off guard when I looked in the mirror while exercising recently. It's really important to document your progress along the way with photos. Your mind can mislead you.
 
It's wild. I look at my pants now, and even though I'm tons lighter, they seem the same size...really huge. When I was heavier, they looked so small.
 
I've dropped around 70 pounds. Currently at 150 lbs and 5'8. I still see myself as a size 14. I'm wearing size 2 pants. Your brain needs time to adjust to the changes in your body. I've been at this weight 2 years. My mind is still stuck in the past. No one tells you body dysmorphia is a thing.
 
I had the opposite experience over Thanksgiving when we took family photos. I see myself as still overweight in the photos, but I look normal when I check the mirror. I still want to lose another 30 pounds, so that could be why.
 
I'm not there yet, but I'm afraid of having dysmorphia. It's partly why I gained in the first place along with past trauma. It's funny seeing old pictures when I was a size 12. Back then I saw myself as I am now.
 
I'm 70 yrs old. I've always been close to 175 pounds, even though I'm active and try to stay in shape. I weighed myself this morning and I was 136 lbs. I'm so excited to finally wear a bathing suit this summer and go to the beach. Plus, my BP is completely normal now, no more meds. I know this isn't for everyone, but it literally saved me! FitFTW You look fantastic!
 
Absolutely!!! I remember doing a year of Body Pump classes about a decade ago - committed, 2-3 a week. For Thanksgiving I went to a packed workout, and I had to stand further back in the studio. I thought I didn't see myself in the mirror. But there I was! My head was cut off because of a huge speaker. I didn't recognize my body since it looked strong and fit instead of the heavier woman from the year before.

Lately, I've taken pictures in full-length hotel mirrors after getting dressed on business trips. I was at my maintenance weight. The pics are great, and I'm glad to have them since I've gained some back after stopping my GLP-1 med for about 6 months. It helps to look at those pics and know what I can achieve again.

Great job! Stay healthy.
 
Body dysmorphia is sneaky. It can stick around long after losing weight. It reminds us our minds need time to catch up to our new selves.
 
I had a gastric sleeve back in '21. My SW was around 250, and my CW is 164. I still feel my large belly on my legs when sitting, even though it's not there. I still see the big belly in the mirror. It's weird how the mind works. It's real.
 
I'm also finding my mood is all over the place now on this med. Anyone else experience this? Like, I'm just feeling down and having a hard time dealing with normal stuff.
 
FitFTW said:
I'm also finding my mood is all over the place now on this med. Anyone else experience this? Like, I'm just feeling down and having a hard time dealing with normal stuff.
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It's not unusual to have some mood changes. Fat cells hold estrogen, so when you lose weight rapidly, it can mess with your hormones for a bit. If it persists, talk to your doctor!
 
Down almost 50 pounds since January. This stuff has been a miracle for me. The crazy thing is, I used to eat when I was anxious and now I don't even think about food, and crave healthier things. It's like my brain has been rewired.
 
Minnie-the-Moocher said:
Down almost 50 pounds since January. This stuff has been a miracle for me. The crazy thing is, I used to eat when I was anxious and now I don't even think about food, and crave healthier things. It's like my brain has been rewired.
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That's awesome! Congrats on the weight loss!
 
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