OK, I was in a tight 16 when I weighed 170+ lbs (about 8 years ago). I was in a tight size 8 when I joined here in June at 143 lbs. I have shed 9 lbs, and my size 8's are looser. With 10 more lbs gone I should be able to manage the size 6 Levi's I have hanging in the closet.

I think frame size, torso length, and height also make a difference. I'm 5'4" and according to wrist measurement have a medium frame, although just barely. I have a very short torso (the waistlines on most pants come up to the bottom of my rib cage), and that means I have less "space" in which to fit the normal amount of internal organs. So that thickens me around the waist some, making sizes a bit larger for my height.

Off to the gym now....

Joan