Dear Sobriety,
Why am I so obsessed with my weight and BMI? I’m a tallish woman and (IMHO) proportioned well. Sure I could use to lose a couple of pounds – as I’m currently settled ~174 lbs – but I’m very happy with the way I look physically now. Which is a miracle like no other for the person who’s had body image issues since high school. So what’s my problem?

My physical self and I have come to an understanding: I try not purposely f**k you up and you reciprocate. The motivation behind my walking is more so for my upper body, get blood pumping to push out inflammation and mental health. I’m not actively trying to lose weight, but, at the same time, I am being very aware of how I am fueling myself. I would have assumed I would have dropped at least a couple pounds by now in the last three months. Instead, I’ve actually gained. BUT my clothes fit better. I feel better. I think I appear to be a little more toned sans clothing. I use the argument that muscle weighs more than fat and apparently I’m actually building some up. SO WHY AM I STUCK ON THIS??
Is it a social thing? I actually don’t compare myself with other women anymore (for the most part – we all have our weak moments). I don’t want to be anyone but myself anymore is maybe a better way to put it. In the past almost three years, I’ve stayed at a consistent size which I am quite happy with, but this dang number is hanging over my head. And heaven help me if I use a BMI chart… that doesn’t even give me a chance. It immediately says I’m obese.
I finally took my scale out of my bathroom and put it under my dresser so that I wouldn’t be able to obsessively weight myself every morning. Then, for some reason, after I walk today, I decide to use the height/waist comparison and I’m still overweight in that category. Lord knows that I know everyone is different and there’s no chart or scale that is able to categorize everyone as an individual, but I am still hung up on it. Ugh.
That had nothing to do with alcohol or sobriety. Just needed to get the rant out of my head an on “paper”. Hopefully that’ll help me let it go and move past it. We shall see. For now, the scale is staying under my dresser and I think it’s time to hug a cat or two.
Sending love and light to you all!!! ❤

I agree that clothes fitting better is the most accurate indicator. I realized years ago that weight doesn’t mean anything because I would work out like crazy, eat healthy, clothes fit better, and my weight would increase. As you mentioned this is absolutely because you’ve built muscle and muscle weighs a lot more than fat. Way to go! Then I would stop working out for periods, eat crappy, clothes got tighter, and I would weigh less. Don’t bother weighing yourself. It just messes with your mind and it really doesn’t matter. In fact it’s damaging. And as @lifesippingaway mentioned, measure yourself instead! Last year when I stopped drinking I measured myself from the beginning and I was shocked and amazed by how many centimetres quickly disappeared, particularly from my mid-section! Partially the result of the bloating from drinking disappearing. But if you’re noticing your clothes fitting better, you would definitely notice the measurements changing. And aside from all of that, if you feel good about yourself and your body, none of this matters at all! We’ve been duped to believe that it does. Just focus on the fact that you feel strong, healthy, fit, and confident. That’s what really matters 😊xx
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I am absolutely loving the feedback from this post!!! Thank you so much! 🥰🤗🥰🤗🥰🤗 I love all the suggestions!!!!
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I try not to go on weight but I do my measurements. I feel it’s more accurate as like you said muscle weighs more. Then I weigh once a month. Clothes fitting better is the best♡♡
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Love that!!! I need to get a flexible tape measure and start using that instead. I am enjoying the fact that I don’t slam my foot into my scale anymore since I moved it. Lololol!! So that sucker is gonna stay out of the restroom for a while!! 🥰🤗🥰🤗🥰🤗
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Get that crap out🤪. I’m with you if you’re clothes fit better that’s an awesome sign! Light and love back to you🤗
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🥰🤗🥰🤗🥰🤗 I’m gonna have to do a follow up post from all the excellent info I’ve received!!!
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