Weight loss

[strngrnrth]

I know I have a good BMI but I used to be very thin and even though I was excited to finally be a healthy weight and a womanly shape, I miss the way I used to feel – with all the problems, it was what I was used to. It was the real me. I wonder if it’s wrong to reduce just for old times’ sake if it might be unhealthy. I don’t mean anything dangerous, just going to a borderline underweight level and trying to stay there without dropping too far. It might mean I can’t work as hard physically, which could be failing to do my best work for God and for others. But if my metabolism drops, I might live longer and accomplish more in the long run. Anyway, I am not going to be able to do heavy physical labor whenI get old. I want to focus on my strengths, which are more mental already, rather than physical. So, any moral arguments?

 

[Island_Oak]

Age? BMI? You list yourself as working in the medical field. I will hazard a guess that you know from either your education/career and/or past personal experience the appeal as well as the risks of allowing yourself to become underweight. Your detailed fascination with something as specific as your BMI and wanting it to be “underweight” suggests to me you may be a little out of balance in regards to your body image. The moral argument is that you should avoid toying with a self-centered and potentially dangerous preoccupation like becoming ultra thin.

I would try and focus instead on becoming physically active on a daily basis and making sure everything you do eat is additive to your health~not just eliminating calories. Being slender is pleasing to the eye and wildly applauded by social convention. Having a well-balanced approach to your weight, fitness and diet is far more important than any number on a scale.

 

[LilyM]

Actually I can understand the feeling, though from the opposite end. Some years ago I lost a fair bit of weight and, although pleased with it, was unused to it and in a way uncomfortable, feeling like my body wasn’t quite mine.

Resist such thoughts! For religious reasons if no others - we have a duty to God who gave us our bodies to maintain our health as much as possible, and you know what a serious risk to health underweight is.

 

[luvlife]

I know I have a good BMI but I used to be very thin and even though I was excited to finally be a healthy weight and a womanly shape, I miss the way I used to feel – with all the problems, it was what I was used to.?

What problems? Did you have an eating disorder?

If so, it sounds like you are slipping back into your old thought patterns.

If that is the case, I urge you to share your struggles with the people in your life who are familar with your situation and can help you. It is, as you know, it is a very serious problem that can get out of hand quickly.

God bless you.

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

The way I took off 40 lbs was by collecting rocks in feilds and constrution sites with permission to build rock gardens for seniors in my area.

Basically, visit your diet person to be put on a calorie restricted diet and increase your physical activity to work off calories.

 

[rwoehmke]

The French are or have passed a law penalizing anyone who publically pushes a thin, model like body image.It will impact what kind of pictures the fashion industry can make public. Skinny is apparently out.

 

[rayne89]

I know I have a good BMI but I used to be very thin and even though I was excited to finally be a healthy weight and a womanly shape, I miss the way I used to feel – with all the problems, it was what I was used to. It was the real me. I wonder if it’s wrong to reduce just for old times’ sake if it might be unhealthy. I don’t mean anything dangerous, just going to a borderline underweight level and trying to stay there without dropping too far. It might mean I can’t work as hard physically, which could be failing to do my best work for God and for others. But if my metabolism drops, I might live longer and accomplish more in the long run. Anyway, I am not going to be able to do heavy physical labor whenI get old. I want to focus on my strengths, which are more mental already, rather than physical. So, any moral arguments?

It sounds like you are battling an eating disorder.Is there quite a bit of stress in your life right now? Eating disorders like anorexia really are about trying to control your food/weight because you feel out of control in other areas. Please see your doctor.

 

[goofyjim]

We don’t all have to be the perfect weight. There is no sin in being overweight or underweight.

 

[rpp]

From the Catechism:

2288 Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.

Concern for the health of its citizens requires that society help in the attainment of living-conditions that allow them to grow and reach maturity: food and clothing, housing, health care, basic education, employment, and social assistance.

2289 If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does not make it an absolute value. It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends to promote the cult of the body, to sacrifice everything for its sake, to idolize physical perfection and success at sports. By its selective preference of the strong over the weak, such a conception can lead to the perversion of human relationships.

                                                                                       2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to *avoid every kind of excess*: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air.

 

[Kathrin]

I can relate to what you say. I feel better being thin. I used to be anorexic but that was different. I had a time when I ate quite a lot and then gained some weight, but then over the years I lost again and now I am at a pint where I feel I am ok. Even though some people might say I am too thin.
I think it depends on the reasons whether it is healthy or not… But then, we are so good at rationalizing sometimes aren’t we?? I try not to be weight centered but instead focus on not eating excessively and living a simple life, a little bit on the poor and ascetic side. That fits me I feel.

Listen very very closely to yourself. Is there a part of you that toys with the lures of an eating disorder? That can be so addictive. So exciting in the beginning, but then after a while… I remember, I just wished I had never started. Eating disorders are an illusion. because there is no point where the person will allow herself (or himself) to eat normally again because she/he is now “thin enough”. It goes hand in hand with “diets don’t work”. So don’t try to go on a diet and lose weight. Try to find a way of eating that fits you and that you want to stick with.

If you feel it might be because of a latent eating disorder that you feel the way you feel, then it is of course not healthy!

And in any case, try not to get to a point where you feel weak… you CAN be thin and strong. Somebody suggested being active. If you’re an active person you will be stronger and also thin.

Probably the best way is to let your body find naturally what weight is best for it. Don’t force anything on it. Being weak is a high price to pay.

Why did you gain weight? Were you told you had to? Did you want to, and now you changed your mind?

And maybe a very very important question: Were you always thin before you gained some weight? Or did you lsoe a lot of weight, and then gain it back?

Did your thoughts circle around food and eating a lot?

Ok, and now since this is a Catholic forum, a religious/spiritual forum, let’s steer back to that aspect: PRAY ABOUT IT! Ask God to protect you and to lead you on the right way. I will say a prayer for you too.

Kathrin

 

[strngrnrth]

Listen very very closely to yourself. Is there a part of you that toys with the lures of an eating disorder? That can be so addictive. So exciting in the beginning, but then after a while… I remember, I just wished I had never started. Eating disorders are an illusion. because there is no point where the person will allow herself (or himself) to eat normally again because she/he is now “thin enough”. It goes hand in hand with “diets don’t work”. So don’t try to go on a diet and lose weight. Try to find a way of eating that fits you and that you want to stick with.

I don’t know for sure. What does the beginning feel like? I don’t follow fashion closely and I really don’t care to be appealing ot men at all. It’s not like I want to imitate models. I don’t even know who the top models are right now. It’s more the feeling of lightness and simplicity. It’s hard to describe. When I see a hunk of flesh on my belly I feel like it’s somehing that doesn’t belong, tha’s all. But when I was skinny, I felt achy and tired and weak alot, and almost always so cold.

Why did you gain weight? Were you told you had to? Did you want to, and now you changed your mind?

And maybe a very very important question: Were you always thin before you gained some weight? Or did you lsoe a lot of weight, and then gain it back?

Did your thoughts circle around food and eating a lot?

Ok, and now since this is a Catholic forum, a religious/spiritual forum, let’s steer back to that aspect: PRAY ABOUT IT! Ask God to protect you and to lead you on the right way. I will say a prayer for you too.

Kathrin

I was thin as a child because there wasn’t always enough to eat. My genes told my body I needed height more than bulk and I grew but I got skinny. I gained and lost weight many times but since age 14 or so to age 24 I was very skinny. I was cold all the time except in July and August, even indoors with several layers on. I was always hungry but I couldn’t seem to put on weight. I was pregnant with twins when I finally hit 115, I think, but before that I thought I looked nice and felt strong at 110. I was kidding myself. I was afraid of gaining fat but I wanted muscle. Actually I wanted a little fat too, sometimes. I went back and forth about that. After being pregnant I gained weight more easily. I took a weightlifting class and got over 130 briefly. My metabolism was just faster than I could afford to feed. I wasted food money on coffee, too. I loved coffee. It made me feel warm and strong. I’ve bounced between a BMI of about 17 and about 24 or so since then. I tried to follow a doctor-ordered weight gain diet for a while but it was a hassle and expensive and gross. I ended up gaining weight the usual way: eating garbage. I felt sick and tired. So, I got into fitness for almost a year again. It was fun but I neglected other things. I got my fat ratio where I wanted it but just briefly. I felt more conscious of my body working out and it made me more uncomfortaable with flaws. Meanwhile, my work puts me in touch with what happenes when people are overweight for a long time. I know I’m not overweight but every time i go to dress myself and I have to work around a curve that I didn’t have until recently I feel like something that isn’t me is creeping up trying to engulf me and trap me where the overweight people are, inside a blob, suffocated. I miss the innocence of thinking everyone put on a top in one motion or put on pants, then cinched them rather than looking at size labels. It was almost like being weightless. I could sit on the arm of a plastic chair. I could go back through a turnstile to pick up a coin. It was a simpler life.

 

[strngrnrth]

Correction: my BMI has bounced between 15 and 23, not 17 and 24. Normal is officially 18.5 to 25.

 

[dulcissima]

Well, I can relate. I used to be underweight…then crept up to being a little overweight being in an unhappy marriage. I got down to a normal weight shortly before we separated, but have been stressed for the last couple of months. I’ve dropped another 20lbs in the last two months, and can go all day without eating an not feel hungry. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I guess I do have my 18 yo body in mind, but honestly I know that would not be healthy.

 

[Good_Daughter]

I know I have a good BMI but I used to be very thin and even though I was excited to finally be a healthy weight and a womanly shape, I miss the way I used to feel – with all the problems, it was what I was used to. It was the real me. I wonder if it’s wrong to reduce just for old times’ sake if it might be unhealthy. I don’t mean anything dangerous, just going to a borderline underweight level and trying to stay there without dropping too far. It might mean I can’t work as hard physically, which could be failing to do my best work for God and for others. But if my metabolism drops, I might live longer and accomplish more in the long run. Anyway, I am not going to be able to do heavy physical labor whenI get old. I want to focus on my strengths, which are more mental already, rather than physical. So, any moral arguments?

Do you know about good nutririon? Are you nourishing yourself? I think that’s far more important than focusing on weight. If you’re eating right and getting some exercise, your body will find a comfortable weight and you shouldn’t be getting fatigued, physically or mentally.

If you like how thin feels (I know I do) you might try building your diet around nutritious “skinny” foods like high-quality protein, vegetables and berries. If your preferred method of weight loss is eating a handful of Oreos and drinking Diet Coke all day (or that type of thing), then you’re probably abusing you body and you may need some help.

I hope that whatever you decide, weight and diet wise, that you’ll always nourish yourself, body and soul. Even during Lenten fast and abstinence we’re not necessarily called to give up good nutrition. In the long run, knowing you’ve fed yourself well is going to feel better than any particular BMI or body shape. God bless.

 

[strngrnrth]

Do you know about good nutririon? Are you nourishing yourself? I think that’s far more important than focusing on weight. If you’re eating right and getting some exercise, your body will find a comfortable weight and you shouldn’t be getting fatigued, physically or mentally.

If you like how thin feels (I know I do) you might try building your diet around nutritious “skinny” foods like high-quality protein, vegetables and berries. If your preferred method of weight loss is eating a handful of Oreos and drinking Diet Coke all day (or that type of thing), then you’re probably abusing you body and you may need some help.

I hope that whatever you decide, weight and diet wise, that you’ll always nourish yourself, body and soul. Even during Lenten fast and abstinence we’re not necessarily called to give up good nutrition. In the long run, knowing you’ve fed yourself well is going to feel better than any particular BMI or body shape. God bless.

Yeah, I know about nutrition. I know not trying to eat good food is abusing my body. I just wanted to know if it’s allowed morally. I guess not. Thanks for guidance, one and all. I won’t do it.

 

[Kathrin]

It really is kind of funny how much I can relate to what you are saying. The simplicity part, feeling light and simple… also I like coffee too.

I don’t know for sure. What does the beginning feel like? I don’t follow fashion closely and I really don’t care to be appealing ot men at all. It’s not like I want to imitate models. I don’t even know who the top models are right now.

I think it is a misconception that anorexia is just about wanting to be like a fashion model. I was never much into fashion as a kid (except maybe for a while because I was being picked on and tried to be cool too), and when I became anorexic at around age 18 it had more to do with… wanting to be the “skinny one”, maybe even “the sick one”… Anorexia IS, in my opinion, a lot about identity. I had just gone through a very exciting as well as sad time and felt a kind of emptiness inside of me - maybe I needed a new “kcik” or something… Anyway, anorexia is not just about imitating models. If an anorexic loses weight and then looks like a model, she will most likeley still think she is too fat! (Because she will focus on one part of her body that does not look the way she would like it to, or because she would like to lose a bit more so she can eat and it doesn’t matter as much if she gains a bit - but then she won’t allow herself to do that anyway and just keeps losing more…)

Now the simplicity thing… see, I think personally, I have found a way to keep the simple and light feeling but instead of focusing on weight and calories focusi on the simplicity aspect, the poverty/spirituality aspect. It can be a very fine line though. However I have been around the same weight for many years now and I feel ok the way I am.
(Even as I am writing this, still, there are questions in my head: Yeah, do you? Really? I guess there are several parts of me.)

I did pray for you last night.

I like what somebody said about good nutrition. I think this is maybe the important thing here:
See food as a gift from God, given to you to nourish your body.
Beware of the trap of seeing food/calories as any kind of “enemy”!! They are ENERGY.
Keep in mind the “as yourself” part of the Golden Rule. Love yourself too. That includes, nourish yourself.
It does NOT mean you have to become overweight, whatever overweight means for you.

I once read somewhere that anorexia is also a kind of “gluttony”, because the focus is SO much on food. Now, I am not sure if I agree with that, I wouldn’t call it gluttony (plus, it is an addiction, an illness), but this one aspect is true: Fopr a person with an eating disorder, food plays a very important role. Sometimes the whole daily routine turns around food - when to eat, what to eat, how to avoid eating… Plus, the undernourished body - studies have been done about that - just PHYSICALLY gets a special interest in things food and eating. Have you heard of that study where they deprived healthy young men of half of their calories? Those guys started reading cookbooks, talking about recipes… It’s like the body knows it needs more nourishment and thus makes the mind obsessed with it.

And that, of course, CAN be a hindrance to spirituality…

But when I was skinny, I felt achy and tired and weak alot, and almost always so cold.

Then you probably were really too thin. Or not a healthy kind of thin.

A lot of things you say about your life do not sound like an eating disorder. It doesn’t sound like you have tried to maintain a low body weight forcefully, against what your genes were telling you. You didn’t mention whether eating/food has been a big issue in your life. It sounds more like you are naturally thin PLUS living on a low budget (same true for me). However, eating disorders come in many forms and for many reasons. Nobody here willprobably be able to tell you if what you have is an eating disorder or not.

Well, I think I have written enough for now…

Kathrin