So far I've lost about 42 pounds but have only shrunk from a size 18 (snug-ish) to a size 14, or maybe 12; I haven't tried on any 12s yet. So that's two, maybe three, sizes at an average of 14-21 pounds lost per one size lost. But I only have 15 pounds to go to reach my goal weight of 140, which I think is probably right for me as it is at the lower end of the large frame (which I definitely have) weight range for my height, 5' 4".

I guess what I'm asking is whether, as you get smaller, fewer pounds equal one size? Or is the 14-21 pounds (for me) pretty much what I've got? I know exercise can change that equation somewhat, and I have started working out, but just in general ... inquiring minds want to know.

well i've never been a size 12. but i do know that i went, in a matter of pounds from a size 8 (sometimes 6) to a size 2 and sometimes a 0. Of course it's not the same for everyone! But it was shocking to me to put on a pair of size 0/1 jeans for the first time in my life. You might be surprised if you put on those size 12s!

A long time ago, I was in size 18's and I thought there was a HUGE difference between the higher sizes then the lower ones. An 18 would be a pinch too snug, and a 20 was sooooo huge on me!

In my experience, the lower numbers are just a little bit different, as opposed to a more drastic change. But, hey, that all varies from store to store, too!

See, that's what I was wondering. Because if it's based on, say, a percentage, then definitely the larger you are the more you would have to lose to go down a size. Course, to me I still look like a size 16 most of the time, but I could be wrong.

Back years ago, I think I got down to 125 on my 5'8" frame and the smallest pants I ever fit into were 10's. Of course, sizes have inflated since then! Hmm... another thing is I weigh more than you and I'm just beginning to fit into 14's. Maybe its a height thing.

I have always been thicker in the hips/thighs than the waist though.

Frecklfluf-

Sizing and goal weight sure seem pretty individual!! You and I have the same goal weight I'm 5'10. Last year I was 140 and wore a sizes 6-8. And I still had a little pot belly and was still a little flabby and thought I could stand to lose a little more weight (maybe five ill-placed pounds or so).

How did you determine you have a large frame?

I've heard that you loose a size for every 15 lbs that you lose. Seems to run true for some and it takes longer for others!

Congrats on your loss!

Maybe it's also a case of when you are smaller you are more comfortable ina tighter size, or are more willing ot take the risk of trying on a smaller size.

As you get smaller it does take fewer pounds to go down in clothing size. Lots of the smaller sizes are much more fitted than, say size 18 and up.

I remember being a size eight and a 7 or 8 lb. gain would put me back into a ten.

One of my daughters has size fours and size sixes, and 5 or 6 pounds either way determine which size she can wear.

Liz

I agree with Liz! My best friend is very trim (size 4). If she gains 5 pounds, she is wearing the 6's! A couple of years ago she was wearing size 10s. Lost about 15 pounds and now wears a 4! I've lost 40 pounds and have only gone down 1 pant size. Top size down 3! Everyone is different!

i'm 5'5", and I used to be a 12 (sometimes 10) at about 140 lbs before I gained the weight. I got up to a size 18W (ok, 20 in denial) at my top weight of 210, but had gotten back down to a tight 16 when I started Atkins at 186. The first 25 pounds took me two (really, two and a half) sizes to a size 12 at 160. After losing 10 more pounds, I was a pretty comfortable 10 at 150, but there was a little less than 10 lbs between a size 10 and an 8, since 8s were getting a little loose on me at 140. There was only a 5-lb difference between an 8 and a 6, which I got into at 137, and 5 more lbs to a size 4, which was about 132. Now I'm 128-129, and some 4s are even a little loose in places -- two or three more pounds might occasionally take me into a 2, although I'm close to the limits of what my frame will permit. So for me, there was about a 10-lb difference between each size until I started to get really small, and then it was more like 5 lbs. Each pound lost really does make a difference now, as does each pound gained -- my clothes are noticeably tighter if I'm retaining a couple pounds of water.

I think it also depends on where you lose weight faster and if you're down sizing in the same brand of clothing. I lose inches in my waist very fast and can easily wear a 6 now as long as it is skirt that doesn't hug the hips and thighs. My hips and thighs are a different story. I can't get into regular Calvin Kleins in a size 10 because of my huge thighs. When I was a lot thinner (125-130lbs), it took about 10-12lbs to go down a size and thighs and hips were still an issue sometimes.

I'm definitely seeing sizes taking less pounds now than at higher weights.

Lynda

I hear your pain, Vixen! That's exactly what happens to me. Damn those hips and thighs! After a certain point I look positively gaunt from the waist up and I'm still chubbers in the pantal area.

Oh yes, as you get smaller every pound makes a big difference. When I was at 155 (I have a small frame) I was a loose 16 tight 14... had to lose about 10 more pounds to get down to a big 14 tight 12.

But, once I reached size 12, I notice I started going through sizes more quickly. I've lost only 7 more pounds, and I am already in a big size 10... almost an 8.

I think my goal weight might be a little too high because I still look fat. I'm small framed and not very muscled, a size 9/10 looks way fatter than it should. I think a comfortable size 6 would look good on me, and I think 125-130 will do that. But, we'll see when we get there. I'm only 3 pounds to 135 so I doubt 3 pounds is enough to make that much of a difference . Heck I might just do weight training to firm up, probably would be better than trying to drop more weight.