Anybody facing body dismorphia after losing weight?

I have been in your shoes, I have had a total weight loss of 187lbs and I still have a hard time believing it's me in that mirror. When I was at my heaviest I was a size 34 or 36 plus size and now I am down to a size 6! I did keep a pair of my fat pants, just to remind myself of my accomplishment and also as a reminder of what I used to be. I NEVER want to be that person again! I also keep pictures of my before pics on my phone as a reminder of a time in my life I WILL never go back to.

It's been almost a year since I have hit my goal weight and I still have a hard time believing that I am a thin person now. It does take your brain a little while to realize that reflection in the mirror is actually you! But it does happen and you will enjoy the results!

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MemberFraser, MI

Lisa Kennedy 6.6k
4 months ago

Yes I know how u feel, I was before at 90lb but to myself I felt wide, fat and wanted to feel different. I had suffered form an eating disorder so when I got bigger, now trying to reach my healthy weight I feel like nothing is working:) but now I have noticed my cloths and stuff fit different:) so don't feel discouraged I'm hanging in there with ya! Keep going, stay strong

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MemberMadison, WI

eschroeckenthaler 4.3k
4 months ago

I understand what you are saying. I have to remind myself that I am good where I am, I have a tendency to go to extremes. I lost about 75 pounds and sometimes I am still wondering "whose pants are these?" when I do the laundry, or "who's that?" when I walk past myself in a full length mirror in a store.

I think its good to use the people around you for support for that. I actually had a talk with my Dr. about it and she gave me a "reality slap" that I needed. I like to just remind myself that I am at a normal BMI now and a low body fat percent, so I should be happy with that vs. obsession about my abs not being rock hard or my butt not being totally perfect. It sounds like a good strategy to get your old clothes out and put them on, that's a really obvious reminder of how much you have changed. For me, I get out my wedding dress and try it on (its a bit baggy) or my high school prom dress (fits me like a glove).

I think eventually you get used to it, it's a new you and it takes some time to get used to.

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MemberPort Washington, WI

sarahk11 31k
4 months ago

I suggest you look into a mirror a couple of times a day. Full body mirror. And appreciate how your hard work has paid off! I needed this reality check when I lost 65lbs. Sometimes adding a bit of slower exercise which makes you negotiate your body in different planes like yoga, pilates, or dance helps you to realize how much room you really take up now

Put your hands on your waist. How does it feel different? Feel more toned, or muscular? Same goes for your arm, your leg. Feel those muscles? This retrains your mind to accept and appreciate your new, stronger body habitus.

So many times when we make big body changes, we try to keep the old identity we were hiding behind when we were overweight. I wore the same old tired frumpy clothing/hairstyle I'd had before. Styles and sizes which no longer reflect who we are and who we're becoming. It's hard to see you as you are today if you keep wearing the same stuff if it is not flattering.

If this seems to describe you, I suggest you buy some new updated clothing that fits really well and is flattering. Doesn't have to be expensive. Get your hairstyle or color freshened up or changed completely if you want. Don't even let yourself go to the gym in a giant tshirt and ill-fitting pants. You've worked so hard and obviously your transformation was a lot of hard work, and you meant business. You wouldn't go to work looking frumpy! LOL So let yourself get some cute workout clothes so you feel good about how you look when you're going to the gym-you even can do it cheap, walmart has some cute stuff. Ask people you trust to help you do a makeover-it can be fun! This will help build your new body identity to define who you really are inside.

Congrats on your huge success. In time, you will expect the new you every time you look into a mirror.....

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Christianne Collins 4.4k
4 months ago

I lost 30 pounds since last year. March 1 will be my one-year anniversary with Anytime Fitness. I don't see the results because I see myself in the mirror every day. In my mind, I still look the same as I did last year. But, when I look at pictures of myself from last year, I see a difference, and I think, "Wow! That was really me?"

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MemberPearl, MS

ShakeUp 1.9k
4 months ago