Conference rocks::weight_control

    I suspect you've answered your own question. The numbers on the
    scale mean absolutely nothing. If *you're* pleased with the way
    you look then that's all that matters. If it will make you feel
    better, look into having a bodyfat test done. That will tell you
    how much of your weight is muscle and how much is fat. If you're
    wearing 5's and 7's I'd guess most of your weight is muscle. And
    if that's true, you don't want to weigh any less as that could bring
    on health problems -- from too low bodyfat.  You may want to check 
    other things like cholesterol levels and such to assure yourself that 
    you're healthy. 
    
    Then, if people comment about your weight just nod your head and
    say something about how lucky you are and how you carry your weight
    well. 
    
    I'm pea-green with envy, personally.
    

    A better measure for you, and, in my opinion, for everyone, is the
    percentage of your body mass that is fat, not weight. It is recommended
    that women should shoot for 22% and men for about 15%, unless you are
    some kind of athlete, who often get much lower. You can find clinics
    that determine this number with an electronic device that measures the
    resistance of your body or by measuring your buoyancy under water in a
    "dunk" test. 
    
    Rich

I understand what you mean, but don't find it depressing.  While I don't
have "big bones", I do carry my weight extremely well.  At 5'6", 153 I can
wear size 9s, but I do not feel as good as I do at about 135-140.  I have
found it somewhat of a disadvantage to be able to carry it this well because
it's real easy for me to put on 10 pounds then another 10...I have also
found quite a dramatic difference in body inch measurements with just 10
pounds.

    I'll second what .2 said about getting a body fat measurement.  If your
    site has a fitness center, they probably have the gizmo to do this. 
    MKO's Life Center does body composition analysis as part of the fitness
    workup when you join; they give you a printout showing what sort of shape
    you're in using a number of different factors, and giving you goals to
    work for.

    The number on the scale really is not the most important thing.  I can
    sympathize with being paranoid about the numbers, but getting down to
    some arbitrary weight at the expense of your health is not a win.

    Good luck,
    Beverly

    I know exactly what you mean.  I also have a large frame, and I
    am 5'6".  I always felt FAT.  Same reasons too my friends weight
    would be 115, I had a friend in HS who weighed 98 lbs.  At 134 I
    felt like a PIG.  But it was the number, I never considered what
    I *looked* like.  I felt like this for years, I gained enourmous
    amounts of weight, I've gone over 200 lbs.  Then I met this girl who
    was in tremendous shape.  She was 5'4" and weighed 125-140 depending
    on how much she was working out.  She also had large bones.  I looked
    at her and I said to myself....self you can look just like that
    and weigh 135!!!  I went on a self imposed diet which began Dec
    10, 1987, I have lost 70 lbs with 24 left to go.  I know I'll get
    there and I can't wait.  I think it's been stated very well here
    that body fat and cholestrol (sp) are your best indicators.  I am
    sure you'll look terrific!
    Elaine

    I have big bones, broad shoulders, long arms and legs.  I went to
    weight watchers and lost 34 pounds.  The weight watchers goal they
    gave me was 122-145 pounds.  I used to be self conscience about
    having a large frame, but now I don't care.  As long as I'm healthy,
    life is to short to be worrying about things I can't change.  And
    my big bones is something I can't change.