Maybe everyone is wrong?

[judylawson]

I can't make the "topic" work for me.


I truly feel that we as overfed, under-exercised adults in America (and elsewhere) have lost sight of what "normal" weight is.

If we go back to our parents, and their parents, and look at their pictures, they are slim - very slim.  The notion of "average" weight in the US seems to have taken on a stranglehold to health and medical practitioners.

I believe that in the 19th century, an adult woman weighed a short 100 Lb.  These women were extraordinarily active (compared to us), details can be provided.  

Why is it that now, in 2010, shortly 2011, it is normal for a woman of average height (5'4" or so) should weigh 140LB?  It's just not true.  

Well, I have chosen to be tough and slim as were my ancestors.  My height doesn't change - 5'5" and my weight is currently 104 LB.  But this has to be muscle!  Work, work and work some more.  Your body needs work and so do you and your environment.  

I'm 71 years old and hoping to keep slim, tough, full of P&V, and I hope someone picks up on this.




This discussion is related to low weight  .

[judylawson]

Judy again.  
I was not referring to my own set of elders - but more to the pictures we have of the early 20th century and the people who were adults then.  They were smaller, thinner, sturdier (which doesn't preclude early death due to disease, gunshot, whatever...)

If you look at pictures of our soldiers taken in WWII, you will find systematically young, lean men (now I am referring to pictures taken by my father).  

I don't say the being lean and muscled is a miracle cure for every ailment today's Americans face.  I do believe, however, that we have become complacent about "being heavy" (a euphemism) as well as accepting an extra 20, 30, 40 LB. of fat as inevitable.

It's really a mind set.  

Just an after-note:  It so happens that my passion in life has always been horses. At my age most riders are content to reminisce, but I am lucky enough to still own and ride two horses.  It stands to reason that hoisting 130 Lb. into a saddle is a lot harder than 25 Lb. less.  

No critique is intended to anyone. I'm far too un-proud of myself to criticize people I don't even know.  However, I do truly believe what I have set out here.

[Barb135]

If I go back to my parents and their parents, they were *not* all very slim, in spite of the fact that they were as active/worked as hard as your parents....... don't forget that a lot of genetic factors help determine our weight, as well as height and possible health issues.......

In your case, I can only say that for 5'5" and 104 lbs, you are under weight, but if it works for you and you don't have health issues; go for it........... I'm only 5' and if I weighed only 104, I would be very ill........

Keep in mind, also, that there are those of us who have health issues that cause weight gain/ prevent us from losing it.........

[MrsPincince]

Wow!!! you've just motivated me:-)