How do you choose a goal weight?

I always arbitrarily said I wanted to shoot for 120, but I never had a specific reason why this number. According to BMI and my height, I should be between 101-136. But that is a huge range. I guess my frame is medium, I'm not sure.

Should I just stick to this number as my goal, or should I just lose weight and see how I look/feel as I get closer and re-evaluate? Or is this a bad idea? Maybe I just need to pick a goal and stick to it? What did you all do to pick your goal weight?

Re: How do you choose a goal weight?

I personally feel that your goal weight should be something that you can stick to, not necessarily something you can reach.

For example, I could reach 120 if I wish, but I would never be able to maintain my weight or my sanity at that so I upped my goal weight to 130, which is where i feel comfortable both physically and mentally.

I think most peoples goal weights are a moving target based on age, physical ability, and just lifes curveballs. I am sure that over the course of my life my goal weight will change.

I would start off with 10% increments. See how you feel and make adjustments from there.

Sorry for rambling.

Re: How do you choose a goal weight?

Well, I lost a bunch of weight before (and kept it off for the most part) but I noticed that my maintenance weight is about 5 lbs higher than my lowest. So I figured to stay at 120 I'd need to get to 115, or if I get to 120, I'll most likely be 125. But maybe I just need to wait and see how I feel and look with this weight off.

Re: How do you choose a goal weight?

I think it's a good idea to have a number in mind and see how it feels when you get there like you said.

I am bad I picked my goal weight to be the highest I can possibly be and be lifetime at ww (148 lbs). I can honestly see myself being comfortable at 160 or even 170 but I want to have a healthy BMI so I am keeping that in consideration as well. Though once again, I'll have to see how I feel when the time comes. I've never been at that weight before

Re: How do you choose a goal weight?

I checked what my BMI should be and then I discussed it with my gynecologist (you need to give them a doctor's approval). My goal weight is 135. I hope to get a little lower than that but as long as I get there, I will be happy.

Re: How do you choose a goal weight?

I always used to say my goal weight was 120-125, but a few years ago I lost a ton of weight (Atkins and just plain not eating- bad, which is why it didn't last)

The lowest I got down to was the high 130's- somewhere b/t 135-139 and I was SKINNY...my bones were sticking out and my mom was worried I was getting sick.

Now I know my goal weight should be in the 140's. If I were in the 120's I would look sickly.

I also have a fairly large frame- my hips are naturally wide, I have broad shoulders and I've NEVER had skinny ankles...