Question:
What is a good size goal for a 5' 6.5

This is nuts, but I'm having trouble determining what size I should shoot for as my goal. My friends are telling me I look "thin enough" at 174 and a size 12 (maybe a 10 here and there), but when I look in the mirror, I totally don't agree. What do you guys think is a good size for my height? (5' 6.5", small to medium frame with lots of hanging skin)    — mom2jtx3 (posted on October 24, 2002)

October 24, 2002
I am 5'6" and am trying to get to 146. My daughter is this heigth also and weighs 140 and wears a size 6.. I just want to wear a 10. I don't know if I will make it or not but I am sure am gonna give it my best shot.... 4 mos out and 66lbs less
   — diane H.

October 24, 2002
I have had this problem too, though I'm a bit taller than you are. At 174, what is your BMI? I decided to aim for a BMI of about 23, which is where I am now, and even though I don't *feel* skinny, I'm wearing a size 6 skirt and a size S shirt. However, I realize now that I won't feel "thin" until some of the hanging skin is gone -- when I look down at myself when I'm naked, all I can see is this rolling expanse of loose skin. Of course, other people don't see me a) naked, or b) from this perspective -- so to them, I look thin. Ultimately, I think we each have to find a good weight for ourselves, realizing that the hanging skin is going to confound things somewhat. Hope this helps!
   — Karen I.

October 24, 2002
I, too, don't go by weight on the scale or the BMI, but by your size and how you look (with your clothes on). Unfortunately when we take the clothes off, the hanging skin is not attractive and can skew our self-images. I am a different height and weight than you but also in a size 12. For me, I would like to get to a solid 10. Whatever that weight is, so be it. If I go lower, I do, but I will live nicely as a 10. I'm living pretty good now as a 12, too! Not all of us are meant, nor look good as a size 6.
   — Cindy R.

October 24, 2002
I'm exactly where you are. I'm 5'6", medium boned and 175lbs. I'm in a size 12 and some 10's. I'm HOPING to get to either 150 or 160lbs but if I don't, I don't, If I do, then GREAT! I have extra skin that I will get taken off eventually on the tummy, arms and bring up the 'girls' to where they used to be. That will definately affect the sizes. I feel much larger than what people tell me. I know its because all I see is the extra skin. I would love to be a solid 10 and if I get to 150-160, maybe an 8? I've just found that everybody is different in how they carry their weight. My best friend is 5'4", small frame and weighs 143lbs and is in a size 8 and looks great! So, who knows! Its anybody's guess on what we will look like!
   — Kris T.

October 24, 2002
I think sizes fit us all very differently at different weights also. I am 150 and in a 10 (just getting into that size). My BMI and weight are normal for my height at 5'6". I am technically at goal although I would love to lose 5 more lbs. and fit into all 10's and possible some 8's. I realize there is some skin making the size somewhat larger, but not by much. Its not enough to have it removed. I never really knew what MY goal was because I have never been here. I do love where I am now though. I just want some 'play' in my weight for those fluctuations, therefore would like to lose a few more. I feel that I am still in a state of confusion when trying to determine where I want to be (if it sounds like I'm rambling). This is all just so new to me!
   — Cheri M.

October 24, 2002
Hi there! I am 5'6 1/2" EXACTLY! I was happy at 175 but lost more. I am now 150 and am at a size 9-10. I am VERY happy at my current weight. More happy than at 175! I don't want to lose anymore now. I think you may be happy at 150 also. Good Luck!
   — ravikamor