Has anyone set their own goal weight?

[Lulabelle]

I have tried to search the forum for previous threads on this topic but needless to say "goal weight" brings up almost every post ever submitted to the forum *laughs*

I have just received my program (*YAY*) and was really surprised to see that the clinic have set my goal weight at 57-60kgs.

I've previously been told by both a Dr and a nutritionalist that my ideal weight was 54 and 52 kgs respectively. 52kgs is where I was for a long time and that's the weight I would like to get back (as that's the weight where 90% of my wardrobe fits me ).

I'm planning to call my consultant this afternoon to discuss this with them, but I was wondering if anyone on the forum has aimed for a goal weight below that which the clinic recommended, or even if anyone has set their goal higher according to what they feel is best for their body?

I know that apparently when the body is ready it will start signalling that it needs to start the refeed process (or that's what I've gathered from many threads I've read on the forum)... but I guess I'm just worried if I will be able to get back to my old weight (52kgs) if the program is designed for me to get to and stay at say 57kgs.

Thanks in advance for any ideas As I said, I will be speaking to my consultant but was wondering if anyone has personal experience with this?

[shell]

Hi Lulabelle,
I think the goal weight set for you is where your body is at it's natural equilibrium and therefore easy to maintain.
Katrin (kaigesen) was one who went lower and found it hard not to deviate at the end.
As you said, your body will let you know where it is most comfortable to stay at.
Shell

[Lulabelle]

Thanks Shell

Hopefully that will still be closer to the 52kgs (just so that my clothes will all fit me again). I maintained at around that weight (I didn't weigh myself much back then, but my clothes were a pretty constant fit) for quite a long time without being on a diet (I just wasn't bingeing or being silly with my intake at the time). So I guess we'll see if that's still where my body is happiest.

[Lulabelle]

Well I've spoken to one of the lovely consultants who basically told me what you'd said already Shell

The goal weight calculator is a guide and actual "ideal" weights will vary between person and person (which is why there is a "range" given to everyone). She said if I've maintained at 52kgs for an extended time without dieting it's possible that is my body's desired weight. But it could also be below it... and that I should listen to what my body is telling me as I'm approaching my set goal. If I'm not feeling considerably more hunger or needing more sleep etc then it's possible that my body isn't quite ready for the refeed yet.

So I'm preparing that I may need to readjust my goal. My consultant did say that if I get to the refeed stage and feel that I still want to lose some more weight, I can complete refeed THEN go back on the program to lose a few extra kg's. To be honest, I think if my body tells me what my ideal weight is... I will listen. Even if it means I need to buy some new clothes after all.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You may want to re-measure your shoe size. This will cause a weight range difference as well. Additionally, you bone structure is not taken into consideration with the good doctor's calculations. If you have a fine skeletal structure you will also be lighter than the calculations.

[Lulabelle]

Thank you SundayMorningStaple I put the shoe size that I buy, which is really usually half a size bigger than I need (I like them roomy) and I do have a fairly small build. My Mum and my sisters and their daughters all have quite small frames and a few of them by the Cohen's calculations would be WAY below their goal weight... but they are those blessed creatures that eat like horses and never put on an ounce They are just naturally very slim (not skinny, just petite). So I guess it is different for everyone.

I'm just going to try to tune into my body and go where it takes me... without any preconceived ideas