If there’s one thing our fashionable society has proven it’s that we’re not afraid to try different styles and fashions. From large gowns and ball gowns to little black dresses and au pairs, we’ve embraced change and evolved with the times. In the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in social media and reality TV shows that glorify extreme measures — such as plastic surgery and dieting — to achieve physical perfection.
And while we’re inspired by their good looks, we know that their bodies might not be suited for us. After all, we have to fit into our pre-prepared clothing racks at the end of each day, which means maintaining a certain physical appearance becomes even more important.
Whether you’re transitioning from a Plus to a Small or need to shed a few pounds for a vacation, it’s important to know how much weight you need to lose to go down a size. Here’s the scoop.
The Biggest Loser
If you’ve ever watched The Biggest Loser, you know that there’s a lot of pressure to lose weight — and it doesn’t end there. Once the contestants have weighed in and the diets have been announced, the pressure turns up a notch. Now the contestants have to fight for survival while trying to shed as much weight as they can in the interest of winning. And since the show’s goal is to help the contestants make healthier choices, the pounds almost always start coming off quickly.
If you’re deciding to go down a size because you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the weight of the world and you need a mental and physical break, then Biggest Loser might be the show for you. But if you’re looking for the standard answer to how much weight you need to lose to go down a size, then you’ve probably come to the wrong place.
The Fashion Industry
It’s no secret that the fashion industry has evolved with the times and promoted a different lifestyle. Gone are the days when dressing fashionably meant dressing to impress others through your appearance. Today, it often just means dressing comfortably and stylishly.
Many high-profile individuals in the fashion industry have spoken out against the trend towards glorifying extreme measures and saying it isn’t always the best way to happiness and physical wellbeing. In 2014, Stella McCartney advocated for sustainable fashion, saying that we need to look at how our clothes are made and not just what we’re buying. Mark Henry, CEO of Mark Henry Clothing, also highlights that we need to look at how our clothing is made to reduce the amount of water it takes to grow and manufacture the garments. If you work in the fashion industry and want to be a spokesperson for sustainable fashion, then you might want to consider going down a size.
What About Adaptors?
Another popular trend now are adaptors, which allow you to easily switch between different sizes. It’s no secret that our world is flat, and this trend allows us to have more options than ever before when it comes to fitting into the clothes we love. When you’re ready to make the switch, you can simply remove the adaptor and continue wearing what you’ve been using without any problems.
If going down a size isn’t the answer for you, then consider the adaptors as a viable alternative. They allow you to continue wearing what you already have while giving you the option to try a new style or color when you’re feeling adventurous.
The Difference Between Small and Plus
There are several different ways to measure weight and size. One of the more popular ways to measure weight is in stones and pounds (cwts). To convert this to kilos (2.2 pounds = 1 kilo), simply divide by 2.2. If you want to convert it to metric (1 kg = 2.2 pounds), then multiply by 2.2.
When it comes to clothing, sizes are often defined by the general silhouette the clothing is designed to fit. If you want to know how much weight you need to lose to go down a size, you have to look at the size of the person you want to mimic. If you’re petite, you might want to look into petite sizes as there’s a big difference between sizes — for example, a size small fits someone who’s 5’6″ while a size 3 fits someone who’s 5’9″.
If you’re deciding to go down a size due to health reasons, sometimes the best option isn’t to lose the weight at all. For example, if you have type 2 diabetes or are at a high risk for heart disease, then it might be better to maintain the weight while taking supplements or medications to manage the condition.
In general, if you want to determine how much weight you need to lose to go down a size, simply multiply your current weight by a decimal place. For example, if you’re 100 pounds, then you’d need to lose 2.5 pounds to go down a size.
What About When You Need to Gain?
If you want to know how much weight you need to gain to go up a size, you have to follow the same formula as before. However, this time you have to add the weight you want to gain to your current weight. For example, if you want to gain 15 pounds to go up a size, then you’d have to weigh in at a weight 135 pounds to begin with. It’s important to keep in mind that this amount of weight might not be desirable for everybody.
If you want to keep your weight within a healthy range, then you might want to avoid gaining more than 10 pounds at a time. Excessive weight gain isn’t desirable because it puts you at a greater risk of developing obesity-related health problems. If you need to gain weight for medical reasons, then it’s best to speak to a doctor about what you should and should not eat.
The Importance Of Eating Healthy
Eating healthy isn’t just about what you put into your body to fuel your daily activities. It’s about what you put into your body to fuel your activities of daily living — from moving around to thinking. If you want to be at your best, then you have to put in the consistent effort to eat healthy foods and avoid those that are empty or harmful. One way to integrate more vegetables and fruits into your diet is by adding them to your morning smoothie. You can also try making your own yogurt or kombucha (fermented tea). Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining a healthy weight as well. If you drink enough fluids, then you’ll be more likely to lose any excess weight instead of gaining it. Throwing a fit about the food you’re not allowed to eat or the clothes you’re not allowed to wear is not going to help you maintain a healthy weight. Try to keep things fun and social while you’re dieting and remember to make small changes that will ultimately lead to healthier living.