[QUOTE=sera300;190016]Medical term for easily feeling or finding the area...or to feel it...using tactile (fingers)! Sorry![/QUOTE]

:( :confused:

I am certainly not model thin, I have a very "womanly" and "curvy" body but a healthy BMI. I did that one test on my hip and there's barely ANYTHING to grab :eek: my hips are pretty wide, about 29-30-ish inches but its just my "child-bearing hips" not fat. Oh and I can see my ribs slightly. Seems rather odd. I'm 170 cm and about 67 kgs I'd guess.

sorry sweetie but its not how much you weigh or what size you wear. its how you hold yourself. if you think youre sexy then by all means you are. for me personally i like a little meat on the bones.

First off, what's a size 12? I'm not trying to be funny, but womens sizes don't make any sense at all. I think that my girlfriend is a 4. Do sizes start at , say 20 inches equals a size zero, and then it's adding one inch per size? Like a size 4 has a 24 inch waste (20+4= 24 inches)=size 4, and a size 12 has a 32 inch waste (20+12= 32 inches)= size 12? Also, your measurements, or weight would be more helpful. Second, is he saying that you need to lose it for health reasons, or his personal taste? Because a lot of guys like bigger women.

Your not fat. The average size of a woman in the UK is a size 14.

Ask your doctor FIRST and ask for your BMI index. Each guy has a different opinion or interpretation of what too fat or chubby is...it's each to his own..Your doctor should be able to tell you where are...

BMI calculator...not necessarily scientific...so get your doctor to do one...
http://www.halls.md/body-mass-index/bmi.htm

At your height--65", you should be smaller then a women's size 12...I am 5'9" and a size 6, and far from skinny! Loosing weight should be your goal for health reasons and wanting a life that is not ridden with medical disorders which are easily prevented. If I am correct this size 12 leaves you with a 32-33" waist and 42" hips...it's not about size it's overall health benefits...

i'm 5'4 and a US size 1 (or occasionally a 0 depending on the brand) and even my stomach hangs out a litlle =\
you can't judge your health entirely by clothing size...

[quote=eminatic;189062]i'm 5'4 and a US size 1 (or occasionally a 0 depending on the brand) and even my stomach hangs out a litlle =\
you can't judge your health entirely by clothing size...[/quote]

No you cannot judge someones entire health BUT what you can determine is this is substantially overweight. Physical fitness helps but when your waist is half the size of your height it's an issue. I am not trying to be cruel, have struggled with my weight my entire life (both up and down, mainly up) but given the factors in her requested opinion the degree of body fat is important as is cardiovascular conditioning. I have seen those who "look wonderful" but enjoy excessive alcohol, fatty diets, and/or smoking, it's the over all state and it's easier to correct health before it deteriorates. Ask Brandye if it's truly questionable. A little belly does not constitute high levels of adipose tissue...

I'd have to see a picture to determine. But really, just be yourself. The image of the stick-thin model has no place in our society, and in fact it does alot of harm.

To answer about sizes, they're kind of arbitrary. If you go by inches, I have a 23-24 inch waist, and I'm a size 00,0, or 2, depending on brand. (Yes, they make 00). So no, there's not really a correlation between inches and U.S. sizes. In Europe or some higher end American lines, they go by inches of waist.

DANIELLE - How do you feel about yourself? No one on this board can tell you if you are fat or not. I believe 12 is the average size of an American woman, it may be larger. The bigger question is whether you're healthy and how you feel about yourself. I'm a naturally very petite girl (5'1"), and I'm very happy with my body, but I don't starve myself and I definitely don't exercise nearly as much as I should. I'm naturally small, but that doesn't mean I'm in better shape or healthier than you or anyone else. There are lots of women who are never going to be a size 2 because that's not how they're built. Size 12 may be a normal size for you and you may be perfectly healthy that way. If you eat junk food and don't exercise, then yeah you'd probably look and feel better if you started taking better care of yourself, just as everyone would. If you're happy with yourself and lead a healthy lifestyle, then don't worry. Honestly, I think your boyfriend is being kind of rude. And, size 12 is generally considered more "thick" than "BBW" - but lots of men like both body types. For every guy who likes a petite girl, there are guys who like bigger girls. Just think about whether you're happy with yourself, not his comments.

[QUOTE=cjb1981;189051]First off, what's a size 12? I'm not trying to be funny, but womens sizes don't make any sense at all. I think that my girlfriend is a 4. Do sizes start at , say 20 inches equals a size zero, and then it's adding one inch per size? Like a size 4 has a 24 inch waste (20+4= 24 inches)=size 4, and a size 12 has a 32 inch waste (20+12= 32 inches)= size 12? Also, your measurements, or weight would be more helpful. Second, is he saying that you need to lose it for health reasons, or his personal taste? Because a lot of guys like bigger women.[/QUOTE]

if you are healthy then you do not need to lose weight, its sounds to me like you just a bit chubby and I think that is so CUTE! You are not fat at size 12, 12 is pretty much the mediaum size in the USA (I think its 12-14). If someone does not like you because of your size, its thier lose. Personally I love a chubby women, more to kiss; there so womanly and warm and nice to hug. :)

RCNV

i agree it's probably best to seak an opinion from your doctor. If you already have a healthy diet and take enough excercise then you're probably fine from a health point of view.

It seems your guy would find you more attractive if you were a bit thinner but that's his taste and someone else might think you're perfect. It's more a case of whether you're prepared to lose weight for him.

Maybe if you think your diet & levels of excercise could be better, then a bit of a change there would improve your health, make you feel better about yourself and your guy would definitely appreciate it.

Generally nowadays i think people don't do enough excercise and too much unhealthy convenience food is eaten so more excercise and healthier food would be beneficial to everyone.

Oh geezzz
If you are healthy that is what counts
If you are short, Tall thin or fat it dose not matter
If some one loves you for who you are is what count and if they don’t they must get lost
As I say to my wife
When I met her I had a six pack
Then I had a barrel
Now I have a whole wine vat LOL
I is up to you and how you feel if you feel sexy and beautiful then that will radiate to other people and they will see you as sexy and beautiful

female opinion here. i'm 5'7" and a size 12. i (thankfully) have no health issues. your question made me wonder if my husband thinks i'm fat. his opinion is that women are suppossed to be soft and curvy (sigh of relief). also consider your bone structure, with my frame if i wore a size 6 i'd look sickly. i guess there are a lot of factors with this. the main thing is your health. best wishes.

I dated a lady that was very desirable at supposedly a size 12 and went to a size 4 within 8 months by a strict diet and very good discipline with regards to eating properly...it is very attainable only ...no silver bullet, but then again...no BS either...people get "fooled" into thinking they are the "right" size..there are medical statistics that PROVE OTHERWISE...you can choose to ignore the "real" statisitcs and pretend it's okay to have a BMI greater than 28 or you can get to work...it's much easier to "pretend"..sorry..but that's my take
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hGvQtumNAY

A BMI is a good indicator and still very liberal in it's numbers. As far as size, people may think they would look sickly, guess what? You are just kidding yourself, soft curves and some lean muscle are good, look at the degree of fat on ones body. There are some real health risks with this....A size 2 at 5'7" to 5'9" looks sickly, a 6 or even 4 is okay. You have to look at your body, and judge it on the degree of fat, when appropriate there is your correct size.

Men have no concept of women's sizes except bra size. Plus they are differnt in N. America, UK and Europe. WHy not go to WebMD, andswer a few questions and get a more objective bit.

Most women who ask are a little chubby.

[QUOTE=dixie chick;189756]female opinion here. i'm 5'7" and a size 12. i (thankfully) have no health issues. your question made me wonder if my husband thinks i'm fat. his opinion is that women are suppossed to be soft and curvy (sigh of relief). also consider your bone structure, with my frame if i wore a size 6 i'd look sickly. i guess there are a lot of factors with this. the main thing is your health. best wishes.[/QUOTE]

I Agree with your husband, and studies really show us men like our women curvy!

FMNV

[quote=CrazyJenny;190018]Oh! As in poke and prod and squeeze..... :o[/quote]

Yeap it is but I cannot write that on a patients chart!

Okay, another female opinion here. I know that everyone has said the usual "be you" line. I like a different test. I'm not exactly thick or thin, just somewhere in the middle. My girlfriend says that I have "a pleasing sleek coating" over my ribs. My test is - put your hand on your side just above your hip and grab really hard. If when you squeeze you get a handful of yourself or less, you're okay. If you get more, think about a diet. If you don't get hardly anything at all, it's time to eat. Oh, yeah, and there's also the rib test. If you can just barely see them when you look in the mirror, you're doing fine. If you can't, you might check your weight. If you see them prominently, it might be time to eat a bit more.....

Of course, these are just rough tests handed down from relatives (sort of like old wives' tales), but they've always worked for me.

[quote=CrazyJenny;190008]Okay, another female opinion here. I know that everyone has said the usual "be you" line. I like a different test. I'm not exactly thick or thin, just somewhere in the middle. My girlfriend says that I have "a pleasing sleek coating" over my ribs. My test is - put your hand on your side just above your hip and grab really hard. If when you squeeze you get a handful of yourself or less, you're okay. If you get more, think about a diet. If you don't get hardly anything at all, it's time to eat. Oh, yeah, and there's also the rib test. If you can just barely see them when you look in the mirror, you're doing fine. If you can't, you might check your weight. If you see them prominently, it might be time to eat a bit more.....

Of course, these are just rough tests handed down from relatives (sort of like old wives' tales), but they've always worked for me.[/quote]

You are very right about the hips...if a woman stands up and cannot palpate her anterior & posterior hip then there is too much fat. And one should not be having to poke deep for this.

Palpate? I'm not an English teacher. :confused:

[quote=CrazyJenny;190015]Palpate? I'm not an English teacher. :confused:[/quote]

Medical term for easily feeling or finding the area...or to feel it...using tactile (fingers)! Sorry!

Oh! As in poke and prod and squeeze..... :o

Rotfl! :d

[QUOTE=Danielle;189042]Hi!
I'm 5ft5 & I'm a size 12, am I fat? Do I need to lose weight?
Sorry about this but my boyfriend said to me today that I should lose some weight. Would appreciate other opinions. Thanks![/QUOTE]

We men don't know what those sizes are. If you want, post a pic of yourself in something form-fitting with the face blanked out.

With the power of a million years of evolution, we can tell instantly if you're "fat" or not.

Just because the 'average' person is a size 14 means nothing. Sizes today are bigger than previous generations and FYI practically everyone in the United States is over weight, you can't go to any public place w/o seeing 2 overwieght people for every agervage size person. There is always room for improvement. I am 5'2 and a size 0, but I'm certainly not the healthiest person either, I could def. use more exercise. My advice to you would be to definately use diet and exercise. Not everyone has to be model thin, but there is a huge obesity/health problem in our country. The first step to fixing your problem, is realizing you have one-- I would thank him for being honest.

[quote=curious_woman;190269]:( :confused:

I am certainly not model thin, I have a very "womanly" and "curvy" body but a healthy BMI. I did that one test on my hip and there's barely ANYTHING to grab :eek: my hips are pretty wide, about 29-30-ish inches but its just my "child-bearing hips" not fat. Oh and I can see my ribs slightly. Seems rather odd. I'm 170 cm and about 67 kgs I'd guess.[/quote]

You are normal! You are not supposed to grab rolls of fat around the hips, the point is you should be able to feel your hip bones the front & back! If someone has to dig really deep to find them, ugh. Not good! If I cannot palpate with ease the anterior/posterior, illiac crest on a patient...not good (the top part of the hip near the waist line)! So at 5'7" and about 138 lbs and a good BMI; that's healthy!

I agree with some of the other posts in that I would need to know the sizes of your bust, waist, and hips to make that call. Plus your body fat percentage is actually a better rep of where you stand. If you're over 23% body fat you would be considered "fat" of needing to lose some fat anyway. Drew

If you feel that you need to loose some weight then do it. I would say by the height and clothing size you gave that you are not no tooth pick but you have curves. Nothing wrong with that. I have them myself. I'm only 4"11 and I'm a size 12. Clothing sizes vary. Sometimes I wear a 12 in on pant others I wear a 9. It just really depends. If you would have specified your weight it would have helped more. How you carry yourself is a big factor on this too. Do what feels good for you. My man tells me that he likes me how I am, but I am loosing weight for me. Not anyone else.

I guess telling your size doesn't say much. Sizes vary dependant on a company, sometimes same size on the label can mean so many different things. Another thing, men don't really imagine the size just thinking of number - unlike us they don't live so much in numbers. Finally, there is a huge difference whether you're fit or not, some can wear size 8 and look like a roll, others look fit at size 12.

[QUOTE=Danielle;189042]Hi!
I'm 5ft5 & I'm a size 12, am I fat? Do I need to lose weight?
Sorry about this but my boyfriend said to me today that I should lose some weight. Would appreciate other opinions. Thanks![/QUOTE]

Your weight is your business, not his. If he has a problem with your weight, whatever it may be, that's his problem and do not let it become your problem. If you want to lose weight because you feel fat, do it for yourself, not for him.

I know too many people who have tolerated being nagged for years by their partner to change the way they are. These are not happy relationships. Find someone who values and accepts you exactly as you are, don't change to become what he wants you to be.

As a final note, be aware that some abusive men begin establishing power in the relationship by trying to control their partner's weight and other aspects of their appearance. How to dress, the color of your hair, the height of your heels, how much breast or leg to show, what jewelry to wear, etc.

Losing weight is one of their most common demands. If he uses words like, "No one could want you because you are so fat," "Your fat disgusts me, you have no self-discipline," or "Why can't you be as pretty as your sister?" you may have an abusive boyfriend who is only going to get worse with time.

While you should just talk to your doctor to find out whether or not you need to lose weight, your boyfriend is being a jerk telling you you to do so. He should love you for you, not how you look. It certainly plays a part, but if it is that important to him, you may want to consider finding a new man.

[QUOTE=Brandye;189934]Men have no concept of women's sizes except bra size. Plus they are differnt in N. America, UK and Europe. WHy not go to WebMD, andswer a few questions and get a more objective bit.

Most women who ask are a little chubby.[/QUOTE]

No, Brandye, once again I don't agree with you. We DO look at more than just bra size.

Dannielle sounds just fine to me.

[quote=cyclefreak;191516]No, Brandye, once again I don't agree with you. We DO look at more than just bra size.

Dannielle sounds just fine to me.[/quote]

I do not believe Brandye is saying men look at anything other then bra sizes, she is saying men KNOW bra sizes & not generally pant sizes. I think men look at it all.

Again to reiterate; size 12 (US) at that height it too large to be healthy. I someone does not believe me and state they are just "big boned" wait until you need an x-ray, look at the films. See the bones around the stomach & pelvis? Now where is the muscle & fat...there are silhouettes. The worse part is not the degree of fat, it's the lack of cardio health. Wait until you have a baby....you WILL go up sizes. I am not bone thin, by far, hate the gym since it's boring, Have other things to do then cook well & exercise....BUT it's a necessary EVIL! To live a long fruitful life & disease free...Women & Men need to stop making excuses for them. And no man should push a woman to loose weight...it's one thing to say, I have concerns about yourself but attacking ones emotions is WRONG!!!!

Ah, ok sera300, you could be right about that.

My apologies, Brandye, if I misinterpreted your comment.

[QUOTE=Danielle;189042]Hi!
I'm 5ft5 & I'm a size 12, am I fat? Do I need to lose weight?
Sorry about this but my boyfriend said to me today that I should lose some weight. Would appreciate other opinions. Thanks![/QUOTE]

I just thought of something else. When I was a girl in the sixties, I seem to remember that size 12 was considered just right for the average-sized female. Size 10 was fine too, but for petite girls, and anything in lower sizes meant the woman was really tiny! Marilyn Monroe (the greatest 1950s sex symbol of feminine beauty) was supposed to have worn a size 12. I know I was a thin-to-normal teen.

Since researchers claim that Americans today are suffering some kind of obesity epidemic in which an alarming higher percentage of the population is fatter than ever before, and since most of the responses you receive indicate that size 12 might be considered overweight, I have to draw the conclusion that clothing sizing has changed dramatically. I've heard of a size zero, which I don't think existed when I was growing up. If it did exist, it wouldn't have fit a Barbie doll.

What's my point? Different people responding to your message may have different understandings of what a size 12 is for someone of your height.

That's all. Thanks for reading.

[QUOTE=sera300;191521]I do not believe Brandye is saying men look at anything other then bra sizes, she is saying men KNOW bra sizes & not generally pant sizes. I think men look at it all.[/QUOTE]

Well, I can't speak on behalf of all men, but I don't know a damn thing about bra sizes either. All I know is that a "D" is considered to be large - how large exactly, I have no idea. I generally don't ask women what size bra they wear...

Women's sizes don't make a lick of sense to me. How the hell can someone be a size 0? What does it even go on?

[quote=oedipussy;191741]Well, I can't speak on behalf of all men, but I don't know a damn thing about bra sizes either. All I know is that a "D" is considered to be large - how large exactly, I have no idea. I generally don't ask women what size bra they wear...

Women's sizes don't make a lick of sense to me. How the hell can someone be a size 0? What does it even go on?[/quote]

Well Oedi you have to be one of the first men I know that do not know Bra sizes, LOL! Bras are based on the rib measurement and the largest point on a women's breast which is around the nipples; the measurement must be done loose (the difference in the inches determines the cup size. Additionally, another measurement should be done approximately under the arms; here is the proper way for a woman to measure:http://www.85b.org/bra_calc.php

Proper fit is essential since I have found no bra makers in the US as Brandye has; therefore, being fit (measured) should be done by a company such as Victoria's Secret or as I say many times, JC Penny. Once you have your measurements it gives you a good baseline to go to each manufacturer's site and look at the numbers & decide which coincides with your measurements for that individual maker; Olga, Playtex, VS, Calvin Klein, Natori (one of my favorite). I always say if a woman wants a good selection of styles with a variety of price ranges go to Figleaves.com. You can spend several hundred dollars for a bra or as little as $16; many have variety of matching panties with the Brazilian, St. Tropez, Thong, High leg, or boy cuts. They also carry maternity wear and plus sizes, as well as, gorgeous swim wear in all styles & sizes. Shipping is fast and done nicely, they are based out of the UK. The variety of push ups, wires, non-wires, padded, or non-padded are also here!

Are you not so happy that I explained this to you???? LOL! Perhaps it will help a woman find what she wants or a man to find a nice gift if proper. Natori has a nice selection of silks for undergarments and "sleep wear" as does Soma (with less variety) they are nice heavy silks which hold up to wear and tear (not just sexual). All undergarments should be washed in lingerie bags (gentle cycle with a gentle fabric wash specifically for delicates; or they should be hand washed & hung to dry), silks are always hand washed in Woolite (or something of the such), then hung to dry (properly), later pressed lightly (cool or very slightly warm iron with no steam placed on a low & delicate setting) if any residual wrinkles are present. These practices will keep your garments is wonderful condition for years; a higher cost for the garment with better care is more cost-effective then cheap bras which do not last and are not efficient for their original & "REAL" use; proper support or in my case "a bit of padding" to cause me to look more proportionate in clothing such as dresses, swimwear, & evening gowns.

Pants? If you get measured for pants your size is dependent on the waist & hip measurements. A standard 12 is based on a 32" waist and 42" hip, 14 is 33 1/2" waist and a 43 1/2" hip, a 10 is a 30 1/2 waist and a 40 1/2 hip, an 8 is a 29 1/2" and a 39 1/2" hip, 6 is a 28 1/2" and a 38 1/2" hip, 4 is a 27 1/2" and a 37 1/2" hip, 2 is a 26 1/2" waist and a 38 1/2" hip, and size 0 is a 25 1/2" waist and a 35 1/2" hip. There is a slight variation in sizes based on the manufacturer; in Eddie Bauer I wear a 6 and can wear a 4 in other's. It also depends on where the clothing was assembled--out of China, with a less then standard manufacturer, I have to go on individual fit. A good clothing store or clothing line has strict quality control so it's a universal size. Therefore, due to my height (5' 9") & if I am on the thinner side I can wear an Eddie Bauer 4 Tall since the inseam and torso length are more generous. Am I skin & bones? BY FAR and I am considered medium to large boned measured by my wrist size. When I became sick a few years back I went down to a 2 to nearly 0 (tough due to my height) and looked then like a skeleton; looked as if I had a bag on! At a 6 still have some weight to loose; post op back surgery I was a 12 due to being sedentary from the surgery & "waiting" for the correct doc to do it. I had to wait to walk much less exercise. You can stand straight up (and bake for the holidays) or lye flat! So not much you can do. I sympathize with ladies on here who struggle with weight but the fact is; it's not healthy to carry the adipose tissue. I do not care if men like them "larger" they should care if they are healthy & in good cardio condition. Proper diet is essential--rather proper consumption of foods are essential to your long term health. This is MY pet peeve! And I can polish off Haagan-Dazs ice cream daily like it's nothing but making a better food choice is imperative.

Thanks sera. I'll probably never use this newfound knowledge, but it's good to know.

I understand the concept of bra sizes and everything, it starts at A and goes up from there, but I don't really know how big each size is. I can't look at a woman and determine what size bra she wears. Probably because I've never gone shopping for them...

That's a weird system for the pants sizes. Seems like it would make more sense if a 32 inch waist was a size 32, but whatever.

[quote=oedipussy;191750]Thanks sera. I'll probably never use this newfound knowledge, but it's good to know.

I understand the concept of bra sizes and everything, it starts at A and goes up from there, but I don't really know how big each size is. I can't look at a woman and determine what size bra she wears. Probably because I've never gone shopping for them...

That's a weird system for the pants sizes. Seems like it would make more sense if a 32 inch waist was a size 32, but whatever.[/quote]

Pants sizes would be easier if they were much like mens, I figure it's the way to keep the mystery so no one really knows if you say size 2/4/6/ etc v. a 42 waist! LOL!

Want to have fun w/a lady? You can even do this w/ a close female friend, if no gf...take her out underwear shopping to VS! Pick what you think is nice & she tries it on. I remember after I got divorced, my male friend took me shopping to VS to show me what was "appropriate" for a new relationship! LOL! I appreciated his input.

Oh, there is just not much better than going lingerie shopping with a man! I wish we had a VS here. That is ONE bad thing about living in Hawaii.

I'm 5'5" weigh 170 wear size 12, 38c bra ALWAYS been skinny and then put on all this weight in the last 3 years, lucky for me I'm done having kids! I worry about ym weight but I am married and have my boyfriends too they love my curves! I'm also not the girl for every guy.
If u are wondering obviously because you feel insecure about the extra weight, so try to loose some, I bet if u try and lose 15 lbs you will feel fantastik!

Three year old thread. And if you lost 30, you would feel fantastic! The curves will improve.