GirlyDork
Well-known member
Hi everyone,
I naturally tend to carry my weight in my stomach, and I've been self-conscious about it for as long as I can remember. One of the major things that I find really weird is that I don't really have "love handles" as much as I have fat hanging in the front over my jeans.
I've heard every cliche out there, about learning to love one's body, recognizing that everyone is unique, the media is fucked up and unrealistic and whatnot, etc. I totally get all that, but it's been very hard for me to find someone who can truly relate to my struggles. I've never had to recover from anorexia or bulimia. I was never morbidly obese. I've never been pregnant, and in fact, I know middle-aged mothers with sedentary lifestyles whose bellies are flatter and have fewer stretch marks than mine. This never ceases to boggle my mind.
So here's my story:
I'm 16 years old, about 5'6" (167.64 cm), and currently around 173 pounds (almost 79 kg). My BMI (27.92) indicates that I'm overweight, but not obese.
I gained about 30 lbs. in 8th grade when I was on a medication that significantly increased my appetite, and my weight has fluctuated since (which explains the stretch marks). At my heaviest, I was 190 lbs. as a freshman in high school.
And here are some pictures (I'm sorry if they gross you out):
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo153/SarahtheGirlyDork/Photo1.jpg
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo153/SarahtheGirlyDork/Photo2.jpg
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo153/SarahtheGirlyDork/Photo3.jpg
So please, let me know: am I alone here? Is there something abnormal about me? What can I do to feel more confident?
And yes, I'm trying to lose weight. I recently re-joined Weight Watchers, and I'm attending a meeting tomorrow. PLEASE be honest. I just want to be healthy physically and mentally (i.e. an appropriate body image).
For all who read this, thank you so much. I would greatly appreciate input
I naturally tend to carry my weight in my stomach, and I've been self-conscious about it for as long as I can remember. One of the major things that I find really weird is that I don't really have "love handles" as much as I have fat hanging in the front over my jeans.
I've heard every cliche out there, about learning to love one's body, recognizing that everyone is unique, the media is fucked up and unrealistic and whatnot, etc. I totally get all that, but it's been very hard for me to find someone who can truly relate to my struggles. I've never had to recover from anorexia or bulimia. I was never morbidly obese. I've never been pregnant, and in fact, I know middle-aged mothers with sedentary lifestyles whose bellies are flatter and have fewer stretch marks than mine. This never ceases to boggle my mind.
So here's my story:
I'm 16 years old, about 5'6" (167.64 cm), and currently around 173 pounds (almost 79 kg). My BMI (27.92) indicates that I'm overweight, but not obese.
I gained about 30 lbs. in 8th grade when I was on a medication that significantly increased my appetite, and my weight has fluctuated since (which explains the stretch marks). At my heaviest, I was 190 lbs. as a freshman in high school.
And here are some pictures (I'm sorry if they gross you out):
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo153/SarahtheGirlyDork/Photo1.jpg
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo153/SarahtheGirlyDork/Photo2.jpg
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo153/SarahtheGirlyDork/Photo3.jpg
So please, let me know: am I alone here? Is there something abnormal about me? What can I do to feel more confident?
And yes, I'm trying to lose weight. I recently re-joined Weight Watchers, and I'm attending a meeting tomorrow. PLEASE be honest. I just want to be healthy physically and mentally (i.e. an appropriate body image).
For all who read this, thank you so much. I would greatly appreciate input