A common misconception A pound of fat and a pound of muscle weigh the same, a pound. But that same pound of muscle takes up 1/3 the space of the pound of fat. A more muscled person will weigh more but occupy less space.

Erin you sound like you're in the same boat I am...having exercised for many years I have a lot of muscle mass, at my current weight of 198 I wear anything from a 14 to a 16. Also keep in mind where you store the fat is another issue; I tend to keep the damned stuff all over; someone with an apple shape will wear a different size from someone weighing the same who boasts a pear shape.

As Hockeygirl says, don't worry about what a scale or the general public says you should weigh. Go by your measurements, they will tell a more honest story.

Nat