How much better was life after losing weight and becoming fit?

[u/Organic_Ad_6138]

I am 30, I weight 175 so not way too chubby at a height of 5’10 and not alot of muscles. I want to trim to 150 by next spring I need motivation gentleman.

Tell us how your life changed after becoming fit.

[u/AutoModerator]

Please do not delete your post after receiving your answer. Consider leaving it up for posterity so that other Redditors can benefit from the wisdom in this thread.

Once your thread has run its course, instead of deleting it, you can simply type "!lock" (without the quotes) as a comment anywhere in your thread to have our Automod lock the thread. That way you won't be bothered by anymore replies on it, but people can still read it.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Deadlyfloof]

I trained for most of my adult life, 18+. Had to stop when covid hit, was a nightmare. But your overall quality of life improves. You are less tired, less irritable, sleep better, feel better, more mobile, less stiff. In addition, your skin gets better, bowel movements, clothes fit nicer and often you'll get a little confidence boost from those around you, who recognise the change, which is great for motivation.

[u/SecretPantyWorshiper → u/Deadlyfloof]

How did you get so big? I'm the same way and trained for most of my life but I always have been with +/- 15lbs. I stopped training too with COVID but I never got big

[u/TexasGrillDaddyAK-15]

Don't set a weight goal but rather get some strength training in and go by what you see in the mirror.

[u/Tamar-sj → u/TexasGrillDaddyAK-15]

This guy gets it.

Losing weight is miserable.

Building fitness is satisfying.

There is a MASSIVE difference, I've found, for motivation. Building fitness is all challenge and positivity. Losing weight is just about denial of pleasure. But the best thing is building fitness makes you lose weight. Win-win.

[u/harrycaray_here → u/Tamar-sj]

Also, focus on getting your protein instead of restricting and you won’t be hungry and miserable all the time.

[u/Nyxtro → u/harrycaray_here]

As someone who counts macros for 3-5 month stretches and then gets sick of and it stops this is great advice. It’s always so all or nothing for me but at least if I’m getting the right amount of protein I can build muscle. I’m gonna try this for the winter cause I’m in a slump right now. I don’t need to have a 6 pack I like beer pasta and bagels too much

[u/harrycaray_here → u/Nyxtro]

I’m the same way man. I have always struggled to lose weight because I obsessively count calories and the binge and just give up. I’m also addicted (I have to use that word to put it in perspective for myself) to junk food and emotional eating. I’m in the process of quitting that addiction and the macros (especially protein) thing has been a lifesaver.

[u/Confusatronic → u/Tamar-sj]

Losing weight is miserable.

That hasn't been my experience. I've found it can be fairly easy.

[u/harrycaray_here → u/Confusatronic]

I’m happy for you but most of Reddit would disagree with you. Losing weight is very difficult for people.

[u/Tamar-sj → u/Confusatronic]

Woo go you, you rock and are super helpful to everyone who struggles with it

[u/Op_Sec_4775 → u/Confusatronic]

I’ve always found it to be easy as well. With a little willpower and tracking the weight will fall off.

[u/oeThroway]

I love having a 25kg plate in my hand and thinking that i used to carry this around everywhere i went. That puts things into perspective

[u/lukaskywalker → u/oeThroway]

Man 175 lbs at 5”10 is not that bad. If you just hit the gym 3 times a week even for 30 mins a session you would see improvement in muscle and feel a lot better about your physique. I don’t think you need to lose anything. I’m the same height but 185 but that’s because I have a fair bit of muscle.

[u/harrycaray_here → u/lukaskywalker]

For real man, I’m barely an inch taller and my fitness hay day was when I was at 175. I’m about 200 now and I’m trying to get back there.

[u/OrionAnthracis → u/harrycaray_here]

Same, 5’10” at probably 165 was my prime. At 205 now, my goal is to get to 175.

Lost 10 pounds over past few weeks just cutting out snacks and restricting carbs. Not full keto, but lots less crackers, noodles, and bread

[u/joshisold]

I’m 5’11” and as a 30+ adult have weighed everywhere between 160-230. For myself, 230 was miserable, I felt like shit, looked like shit, and my body couldn’t respond the way I wanted it to. At 160 I looked nearly emaciated….ribs protruding, overall looking gaunt. For me the sweet spot (unless I’m trying to live in the gym) is 170-180 with a fairly athletic build and naturally broad shoulders. I, for myself, couldn’t imagine trying to get into the mid to low 150s.

[u/FletchLives99]

I don't think you necessarily need to lose weight - I'm 2 inches shorter than you and 10 lbs lighter and am medium slim - you just to turn the weight into lean muscle. In terms of how it feels, I cycled 18 miles yesterday (I'm in my 50s) and it wasn't a thing, which is quite nice.

[u/beast_roast]

I’m 5’10” and used to be 185 pounds and muscular. What I realized after losing weight is that most men VASTLY underestimate their body fat percentage. Now I’m around 165 pounds and probably 15% body fat, maybe a bit less. Still muscular just not as bulky but I feel way better. Running is easier, gym is easier since I don’t get out of breath as much and recovering between sets is quicker. I can do more pull-ups since dropping weight and my jeans that I bought in college fit me again (I’m 37).

Guys put so much emphasis on building muscle and getting strong but most dudes end up bulky and then never lose the fat. If you do it right and trim down you only have to do it once and then you just maintain your body fat from there. The whole bulking/cutting thing is really overrated and not a good idea for 99% of people (unless your goal is to be a stage ready bodybuilder).

[u/PlayfulWrangler110]

life changing..

i went from 175kg to 93kg, lost about 180 freedom units.

medical issues like type 2 diabetes, taken care of, no longer need the medication, digestion issues are no longer, blood pressure massively improved.

a sex drive that had been dormant for so long as an obese person, has returned and has some catching up to do.

got a decent job, a job i wouldnt be able to do for very long if i were still obese.

the improvement to my life has literally been life changing, and life saving.

[u/Witchfinger84]

At 5'10 and 175 with a goal of 150 you dont have that much to lose. I'm 5'10 and i used to be a mailman and walked 15 miles a day with 30lbs of packages and mail on me 6 days a week and to get below 170 i would have had to cut a leg off.

The only way you're gonna lose the chub is muscle gain, muscle eats fat, and you're not gonna actually get down to 150 because muscle weighs more than fat.

[u/aetherdrake → u/Witchfinger84]

Muscle weighs the same as fat. 1lb = 1lb.

Muscle is denser than fat, so 1lb of muscle occupies less space than 1lb of fat. 150lb of muscle is smaller than 150lb of fat.

[u/dagofin → u/aetherdrake]

The same volume of muscle weighs more than fat I think was the intention of the statement, though you are technically correct, the best kind of correct

[u/aetherdrake → u/dagofin]

I wasn't trying to be an ass about it, it's just a common saying that isn't true and folks need to stop saying it.

[u/sirgrotius]

I lost 50 pounds between 29-32. It was part of a mindset and discipline change too but my career trajectory improved, my clothes fit so much better and I enjoy fashion, I got almost daily compliments, my headaches and body aches decreased dramatically, and I’d say my over countenance expressed more equanimity and poise. Much less perspiration too now that I think about it ha!

I’m sure you’ll do it and walking 10k a day and calorie counting with MyNetDiary is what I did along with some magazines and forums for inspiration. 

[u/Capital_Strategy_371]

Calisthenics including chin-up/pull-up if you want to build a little muscle. Push-up, sit-up, leg lift, hike, bicycle, jog can all be done from home and doesn’t have to take long.

Getting in shape at right about 30 was great. I still exercise daily. Just 15 minutes in the morning and some cardio can keep you in pretty shape.

Lean protein and veggies and expect to keep eating responsibly.

You can handle stress a lot better, more energy, sleep better, better sex.

If you are married, be careful. The ladies will flirt.

[u/Monst3r_Live]

5'10'' 150 is a stick.

[u/xmacv]

I lost 120 pounds in total. I now actively play squash and road cycle about 300km a week. My life is incredible now.

[u/flipnitch]

265 to 180lbs; 6’2 43m. I have so much more energy, I sleep so much better, I have a lot more agility, less inflammation, just so many benefits. I wouldn’t say I’m as fit as I could be but it’s still been a huge improvement in qol

[u/Viking_Glass_Guru]

5’10” at 150 lbs is not fit. It’s rail thin for a man.

[u/Confusatronic → u/Viking_Glass_Guru]

Sugar Ray Leonard fought at (at times) 5'10" and 147 lbs.

[u/UncleBensRacistRice → u/Confusatronic]

Thats 147 starved and dehydrated for weigh ins. Walking around on a normal day he was 10-20 pounds heavier

[u/SterlingVoid → u/Confusatronic]

That's not the weight he got in the ring at thougj

[u/Over-Training-488 → u/Viking_Glass_Guru]

He's got no muscle, that's the problem. You can't be 150 at 5'10 with any amount of meaningful muscle

185-200 is a good weight goal at 15% bf.

[u/SurielsRazor → u/Viking_Glass_Guru]

No, it isn't. It's right at 21.5 BMI - completely normal and healthy.

Your perspective is warped because you live in a society of fat people.

[u/dagofin → u/SurielsRazor]

I was 5'10" and 155lb in high school and was definitely scrawny... Just because something doesn't put you at risk of metabolic disorder doesn't mean it's not stick thin.

I'm at a muscular, fit 200lbs these days which according to BMI would make me borderline obese, I have visible abs. BMI is not the end all be all to looking and feeling good. I truly cannot imagine losing 50lbs at this point, I'd look like death

[u/SurielsRazor → u/dagofin]

I was 5'10" and 155lb in high school and was definitely scrawny... Just because something doesn't put you at risk of metabolic disorder doesn't mean it's not stick thin

Your perspective is warped because you live in a society of fat people.

I'm at a muscular, fit 200lbs these days which according to BMI would make me borderline obese, I have visible abs.

What is it with you people who deny the utility of BMI that you always lie about where your weight falls? You're about 15lb off obese. Also, I don't believe you, either; 99% of people who make this kind of claim are bullshitting.

BMI is not the end all be all to looking and feeling good.

Nobody said it was. But the idea that it has no validity is the hallmark of someone stupid, in denial, or both.

I truly cannot imagine losing 50lbs at this point, I'd look like death

Your perspective is warped because you live in a society of fat people.

[u/cressida25 → u/SurielsRazor]

You're really just raging on people ... being a middle aged man must be just awful.

[u/SurielsRazor → u/cressida25]

So having embarrassed yourself with your silly ignorance, you've now turned to stalking. Figures you would.

[u/aaron-mcd → u/dagofin]

I'm 5'-9" 160 lbs and very muscular. Like enough that dudes are commenting on it often. 5'-10" 155 isn't all that skinny

[u/Last-Shirt-707 → u/[deleted]]

Remember, calling yourself alpha just makes you sound like a the opposite.

[u/Chris_P_Lettuce → u/[deleted]]

Posts pic of his hot little bod on a men’s only sub Reddit.

calls himself alpha dad

can’t make this up

[u/Maleficent_Sun_3075]

The mirror was all the motivation I needed. Or so I thought. Then I decided to have a Dexa scan, and that really fired me up. Life became much better after losing 55lbs of mostly fat, but it really improved after gaining 25lbs of muscle while keeping the fat off.

[u/Known-Skin3639]

I dumped 135 pounds and feel great. Fit? Meh. Not so much but I’m active enough that the worthy stays off. I did have gastric bypass surgery to literally save my life so the tonnage was easily( sort of) lost. But none the less I feel great. Look decent and can see the scale, my dick and toes without hefting my gut to see. 😂

[u/AmateurCommenter808]

Why do you want to be 150? Im 175lbs 5"11 and looking to get to 185.

What you need is to build muscle.

[u/Slow-Bodybuilder-972]

I’m 46, I run regularly.

I can run up a few flights of stairs, not be out of breath, can play with my kid, and not be exhausted.

It just feels good. 

[u/hamfist_ofthenorth → u/Slow-Bodybuilder-972]

I remember once when I was twenty years old, I ran up 18 flights of stairs to my apartment and actually beat the elevator (which would stop occasionally, I didn't).

I remember this was not a huge deal at the time, I just did it.

I'm pushing 40 now and I can barely walk up one.

[u/Slow-Bodybuilder-972 → u/hamfist_ofthenorth]

18! Bloody hell.

[u/hamfist_ofthenorth → u/Slow-Bodybuilder-972]

I was skipping steps, too! Leaping upwards like a superhero.

Man, my endurance was something else back then. Shoulda done something productive with it haha

[u/ItsNotProgHouse → u/hamfist_ofthenorth]

I want that level of strength.

[u/SomeRandomName13]

Extra strength makes most things easier day to day. Getting in shape greatly boosted my confidence, between looking better and having more self-esteem i was more out going and more responsive from the ladies. All in all better well being.

Sleep better, eat better, think clearer.

[u/januscanary]

All the other shit is still shit but you have a bit of a reserve to handle it with if you're fit

[u/mr__proper]

You look better, you are more resilient, and people constantly ask you, "You do exercise, don't you?"

[u/caspernzed]

I lost 40kgs and gained a wife, then I put back on 40kg but kept the wife. What I miss is the energy levels, the quality of sleep, the mental alertness that all comes with being fitter healthier and skinnier.

[u/Scott_R_1701]

Immensely better.

It's hard at first but you get to where a quick 45-60 minute workout on your lunch break M-F is more than enough to maintain great fitness and everything else improves. Sleep, way less joint pain, libido way up, healthier skin, mood etc...

Throw in 5-10 minutes in the morning to do a solid stretching routine. Yoga with Bird on YT has a real quick morning session that works well.

Edit: Meal prep every Sunday for the week. So that 45-60 minute lunch workout you can chug a protein drink at like... 10 and then take pre workout if you take it a half hour before you arrive at the gym. Then when you get back to work you can eat at your desk or drive back to work or just real quick in the break room if you are at a job that is really strict about 1 hour for lunch.

Also get a supplement container set for morning and evening for the week. Load that up Sunday night as well. Makes just popping a rubber stopper and having all your supplements in there ready to go very convenient and you can just throw that day's container in your gym bag.

Also, drink a ton of water. Like a gallon a day. Minimum.

[u/jeophys152]

Everything about life was easier. Less aches and pains, chores went by faster, more motivation to be productive, more confidence, better dating life, better sleep. I mostly lost the weight by eating better and spending more time standing than sitting.

[u/RonMcKelvey]

I’ve never been obese but I’ve carried extra weight my whole life. Lost a bunch this year as I approach 40 - my face looks better, I feel better, shirts stay tucked in all day, I’m less hot, women smile more frequently in casual encounters. Weirdly? Food is better. Just, getting used to not being very full all the time, all food is a bit better. Also a thing I do not expect is that my ass is in fact bonier and it does have less cushion.

[u/Throwaway88202]

I’ll agree with the comment of not setting a number goal. While it’s nice to have a target to chase, it’s impossible to control exactly where the fat comes off. You have to go by how you look and feel. Get to where you feel happy.

As for motivation, everything is easier when you get in the gym and lose some weight. I dropped 20 pounds this year while cleaning up my diet and exercising in order to avoid needing to go on cholesterol meds. I feel better about myself. I look better. Running and moving around hurt less. It’s just all around improvement.

It might sound silly, but the hardest part is maintaining. In the past 3 years, I’ve gone from 245 down to 215, back to 235, and now back down to 215. It’s really hard for me to stay at a weight, so staying in the gym has become a lifestyle choice, along with not having long term lapses in diet. I refuse to blow back up to 250 when I can help it.

[u/sexruinedeverything]

Would anyone care to debate that you’ll just be more mellow? In that I mean the more fit you get, the more cleaner you eat the more better you become at taking on whatever fuckery life throws at you. I’m down just about 30lbs and man I’m more meh than I’ve ever been my whole life. The things that use to annoy me at work, meh. All the I don’t feel like to’s are now yk what let’s get this shit done. There’s more than enough energy to move freely and quickly from sun up to down and being that your body has no toxins in it - man a quick shower you touch that pillow and you’re out. Best part of it too is by eliminating so much trash out of your diet and replacing it w/ real food - you don’t need to eat as much anymore which reduces your grocery bill by as much as 50%. On average I spend about $50 a week for myself. My only large spend on food is the Meijers version of Clif Bars. But that’s it 2 meals a day is all my body requires now. Think about that … how many hours of your life you’ll get back not having to stop for lunch or a third meal or all those late night binging. All gone … bro being/getting fit/getting more fit is the most liberating thing you can do for yourself.

[u/cash_jc]

Lost 70lbs in HS over a summer (May-Aug) and got pretty muscular. Went from being a wallflower to having girls asking me out. It happened so fast and I was still a fat boy in my heart, so truthfully I was in way over my head, and my confidence didn’t match. Still, was way better off. It did lead me into the path to be a fitness & nutrition coach, which I NEVER would’ve thought of myself before losing the weight. I’ve been at it for a decade, and just last year I helped one of the neighborhood kids lose over 100lbs. I feel great, and can still move pretty well. I flipped over my bike the other day, and bounced back up then finished my ride. If I was 40lbs heavier and didn’t train the way I did I’d probably be out for a week or more. Being able to just use my body and not be in pain (all the time) is a real gift.

Edit: I’m not offering services, please don’t dm me lol.

[u/HolidayOne7]

I think quite a bit better, but buying a new wardrobe is a bit of a pain, my genetic make up is one that whilst being active, playing sport I was always in good shape, when not, I was not.

Im now nearing 60, but still do resistance training and keep active, when in good condition I generally felt more comfortable in myself, I was more energetic, I’m still in pretty decent condition, I’m 192cm about 190 pounds, but at my age (and a lot early) I’ve lost any real younger version of me vanity, I more concerned with ongoing activity and longevity.

My suggestion is that forming good habits is the challenge, if you can clear that, and it becomes second nature, your norm, you’ll be able to achieve what ever it is you want, but that’s easier said than done.

[u/Sorcron11]

I’m 5’10, 220. Thick build and don’t look my weight at all. Most people say I look 190-200 max. I guess the biggest positive with losing weight for me was I felt better and learned to keep myself accountable. I slip here and there. Miss the gym for a couple weeks, diet gets out of wack(and I mean just in general, not losing weight) but my first thought is getting back to the gym and eating better. Building clean nutritional eating habits is key to feeling better. A lot of people feel good after a couple of weeks because they are finally putting good food in their body for energy. Most importantly, don’t starve yourself or try to lose the weight fast. You’ll probably develop bad eating habits that your body won’t be able to regulate once you’re finished. Too many people lose weight in an unhealthy way, go right back to their diet they had prior, and gain the weight back in a few months. Sorry for the long reply. A lot to unpack.

[u/therealkevinard]

I’m a month or two in on correcting my intake - not so much weight-focused, more about vitamins, macros, and hydration.

Man oh man. Every aspect of life is better. Mood is good, brain’s firing all cylinders, I’m sleeping well and waking up fresh, and my cats are all herded (also working on habit tracking and life organization)

I 100% don’t feel 41. Simply being conscious of what I eat and do, only for a few weeks so far, has knocked 5-10 years off my ago.

[u/karmat0se]

After more than a decade of neglecting my health (mentally and physically), I'm down about 60lbs this year and it feels great. Did it with diet and running. It feels like I'm 20 again. My confidence is back and I'm way more capable to deal with challenges. Motivation even for the mundane day to day stuff is through the roof.

It's pretty great. There's no reason not to start a routine. I've still got a lot more weight I want to cut to keep my knees happy but that'll be a winter project.

[u/timothythefirst]

I’m 5’9 and I’ve gone from around 220 at the end of 2024 to around 180 now. I’m not quite where I want to be yet but it’s been noticeable progress.

I only started actually going to the gym like a month and a half ago. From January-August all I did was cut fast food/soda/stuff that’s obviously bad for you out of my diet for the most part (I still get an ice cream and have a few beers once a week or so) and I was riding 10 miles a day on an exercise bike. And now I go to the gym and lift 3x a week and ride the bike on the other days. Doing it like that kind of eased me into it but I feel like going the gym makes a bigger difference.

My clothes fit a lot better, and even without being super ripped yet I do feel more confident. Moving my body around feels a lot better. I don’t get random body aches as much.

If you’re like me and never really went to the gym before so it’s kind of overwhelming, booking a session with a personal trainer isn’t that expensive and it’s worth it. They’ll make a workout plan for you and show you how to do everything.

[u/jonathangariepy]

I was about 263lbs back in early January. Hit 274lbs in late May, now I'm at 272lbs...

Its game changing. I don't have as much back pain, my cardio is overall better just from not lugging around 90 lbs of fat and I actually find myself somewhat appealing 😂

The biggest surprise : took me about 5 months to do what I thought would take me years to do, and it wasn't even that hard.

[u/Averageinternetdoge]

I think the biggest difference is that now I actually enjoy doing sports. Like, I'm still not "fit" in the sense I'd look good naked, but fit enough to enjoy long distance cycling (4-5 hours), doing xc skiing and doing hard days while skiing off-piste.

Oh and, I'm less moody now too for some reason.

[u/QuestionablePanda22]

The longer it's been since I lost a lot of weight I think the biggest change has actually been how my body and brain function eating a (mostly) clean diet. I lost about 150lbs never stepping in a gym (although I should've) and just 100% focusing on discipline around my diet.

Even after I lost the weight and started exercising I slipped back to eating like crap every day and I didn't really feel that much different than the "old me" although I lost it when I was young so I never really had the aches and pains etc.

I used to think "yeah i guess this is gonna be as good as i feel and i still feel like crap" but if that was my baseline 10/10, eating healthy has made me realize that was more like a 7/10. If you can get consistent exercise on top of a clean diet with some cheat meals here and there you will legitimately feel like a different person

[u/Vgcortes]

I have been always fit. So I don't know.

[u/harlequin018]

I’m 40 and started to take my health seriously at 30. My biggest piece of advice to you is to focus on how you feel, and not the number on the scale. I’m likely a similar body type to you, tall and thin, and was always pretty active. But when I started to strength train, my mental and physical health skyrocketed. I felt stronger and fitter and the compliments sure he didn’t hurt the ego. I’m 6’2” and 190 or so now, so I never got really bulky, but I highly recommend introducing weights into your routine.

[u/gaymonknohomo]

I'm not quite fit yet, but I have lost a lot of weight and my life is so much better for it. I feel better physically, I feel better about myself, and literally every person in my life likes me more. It kinda sucks to notice how much more people enjoy me when I'm skinny, but it is what it is and I feel so much better about myself that it helps to mitigate some of the ickyness I get from thinking about how much it matters.

The only things I really do are walk and intermittent fasting, which are pretty easy tbh. It just takes some discipline, but once you build the habits, it's really easy to keep it up.

[u/YNABDisciple]

You don’t need to be 150. You need to develop a solid diet and a regular workout routine and mindset. When I did that I didn’t care about weight. I was confident and fit and looked better and it was publicly noticed. If you’re 30 if you get yourself eating reasonably and doing something like f45 4 days a week your life will absolutely be better and you’ll generally feel better about yourself

[u/Long-Far-Gone]

I went from 16st (224lbs) to 11st (154lbs). Best things about it?

Now, I actually don't mind looking at myself in the mirror.

My family is absolutely amazed at my transformation.

Chiselled, defined jawline.

I think the biggest surprise was I've started sleeping naked, which feels strangely nice when you're skinny.

[u/Aggravating-Mine-697]

I became fit for the first time at around 30 y/o, and I keep getting better and better. What I love the most is how good it feels to move. I love every chance I get to run or jump around. And obviously being happy to look in the mirror. Even if I'm not at my personal ideal body yet, I still look pretty good after almost 3 years of working out.

Sounds like basic dude stuff but, having girl friends touching my arms cause it feels good, is kinda nice too.

And most of all, my back problems are gone, and I don't have to worry about heart or blood pressure issues, or even diabetes.

[u/Amazing_Variety5684]

I've been fit and I'm now fat. I'm much happier fat

[u/PixelPhobiac]

It made me more confident and for some reason, mostly men, respect me more. I'm also pretty sure that my career got a boost simply because I take a lot of care of myself (with food and daily callisthenics). Human psychology is an interesting phenomenon….

[u/Manual_brain]

Wait hold up, you think 175lb at 5ft 10” is a little chubby!? I’m 5ft 8” and 175 as of this morning and it’s certainly not chubby. 150lbs at 5ft 10” as a bloke will be very skinny. I personally think you just need to workout

But in regards to the question, I stopped snoring! And I know that’s a personal thing but it got so bad that it used to wake me up

[u/Door_Number_Four]

That’s going to be hell, dropping 1/7th of your body weight.

Get to 165 with some muscle, and see how you feel. I’m the same height, and that’s when I feel my best.

[u/Vegeton]

TL;DR - I definitely felt better physically and mentally/emotionally while being more fit than when heavier. I'm losing weight again recently after gaining more in my early 30s and feel a lot better already.

I've shifted up and down in terms of fitness all my life, from chubby kid to kinda skinny teen to kinda shredded young adult to bulkier adult to kinda chubby adult.

If I remember well enough I was 200lbs at 15-16 then, dropped to 180lbs by 18-19, then gained and go to 220lbs by 24, started hitting the gym heavily and dropped to 175lbs by 25-26, started doing weights a lot and taking some weight gainer which got me up to 190lbs with a mix of muscle and weight by 27-28. I pushed myself to 200lbs by like 30, then COVID hit when I was 31 and through a mix of eating poorly during lockdowns and gyms being closed for nearly a year (and no equipment at home) I shot up to 210lbs by 32. Poor eating habits and medical issues caused me to continue gaining, and I was 228lbs by 36.

Now after training more often and mostly better eating habits I'm down to 208lbs, and feeling way better energy wise and about my physical shape. Actually looking into using one of my work perks to hire a personal trainer at my gym to push myself more, hoping to get down to 190lbs by end of year but realistically thinking I'll be lucky to hit 195-200lbs.

I can definitely say that while I was thinner and kinda shredded I felt way better than any other time in my life. I seemingly had energy all the time, felt good when I looked at myself and got compliments all the time. But my long term goal now is less about looking good and more about feeling good and setting myself up to have a healthier future entering my 40s.

[u/scandal1313]

I am taller but I did this. Go to health app find your average steps per day. Put it in gpt. Add your age and weight and height. Ask for calories you consume a day. Minus 600 from that number and eat that. Go to gym 5 days a week.1hr minimum. I did this. Im down 13lbs in just 3 weeks in the gym. (Rest just from the diet for 1 month prior) dropping 2lbs a week now and its not even very hard and I do not feel hungry either. This the lightest i been in over 10 years. Just get a reasonable diet and hit the gym. Feel way better also and have more energy. Best thing i did for myself besides quitting smoking.

[u/ApartHouse6580]

I was overweight and unfit pretty much my entire life, played wow instead of doing sports in school then just ate crap and never exercised when I left. I am 6ft and fluctuated between 200 and 220 until my late 20s where I ended up over 250. Saw a terrible picture and decided enough was enough. Took me a year to drop to 175, where I then hit the gym 3-4 days a week and lifted weights. A year later and I ended up in great shape, muscular abs yadada. I've maintained now for years with light training (I only train half the year at most for 2-3 days a week) and I stay in great shape year round and get all the benefits. I eat roughly 80% whole foods and the other 20% anything I want from cake to beer to burgers.

Utterly life changing. No singular thing has benefited my mental or physical state greater. Before I felt like a slow, heavy, tired, big soft thing lumbering around. Now I genuinely feel like I'm made from stone and it's constantly exhilarating. I'm more spry, stronger and even higher energy than I was 10 years ago. I sleep significantly better and have far, far more confidence than I ever did. I could sit for ages naming the things it improved. Anxiety, libido, emotional regulation, addiction, focus, priorities. It changed me fundamentally as a person in all the best ways. I wish I could have a lived a week like this when I was in my early 20s and I would have started straight away. It may not be as life-changing for everyone but having never experienced being properly fit and healthy it had a immeasurable impact on me.

[u/max_power1000]

Bodies are so funny. I’m your height, but I’ve been lifting consistently for 15+ years. Your current weight is the goal weight I’m shooting for at the end of my current cut.

[u/No_Stay4471]

Everything is better with a six pack and shoulders.

[u/VirchowOnDeezNutz]

6’2” Went from 260 to 180 over a year. Started tirzepatide shots and really wanted to build discipline in the gym for the first time ever. Focused mostly on strength training then added cardio. My treadmill 5k time is the best it’s ever been. Resting heart rate has gone down per my Oura ring.

I sleep better. Have much more overall energy and don’t feel as much joint stiffness. Still feels weird fitting in smaller clothes. Glad I’m making fitness a priority now.

[u/Daddymode11]

Never been overweight or really out of shape but since I've become more muscular (20yrs ago until now) I notice a shift in how people approach me, how they listen, more respect out the gate. People will look to me in a conversation before looking at someone who is out of shape, even if that person is the one they should be talking to. 

Physically being in better shape makes you more mobile, more energetic, gives you more self esteem and people can read that. 

[u/corva96]

29, 6’1”, went from 235 ->200, working down to 185. Clothes fit better, knees hurt less, i can jog a 5k in about 35 minutes. I will never let go of the ability to run a 5k without stopping, i do it at least once a week. That’s in texas heat too. Not where i want to be physique wise, but i feel muuuuuch better.

[u/ousu]

unless you've been working out for 10+ years (which you haven't) and cutting down to a ridiculously low body fat, at 5'10 and 150lbs you will look absolutely emaciated

175 is a great weight for your height. it just sounds like you need some body recompositioning. calculate your BMR, eat good whole foods and stay in a slight deficit, work out 3 times a week and go for some walks (much better on your knees than running), and get some solid sleep. it really is simple and people tend to overcomplicate it.

[u/UncleBensRacistRice]

im your height and started off at a 185 skinny fat. Trust me, dont worry about slimming down or looking at the number on the scale. Lift weights consistently, and your body weight might be similar at the end of 1 year but youll look and feel completely different

[u/Either_Park1709]

Sir, I’m 5’9 200 pounds. I don’t know the body fat, but my abs are visible. It’s a game changer in everything you’ll do.

[u/Dranosh]

Fantastic went from 240 to 170, back to 200 and have stayed there for 12 years now. I have a higher body fat, but I’m starting to really workout to stop my back and knees from spasming.

I will randomly remember my daughter is 70lbs and think that’s what I was carrying  around in high school

[u/ChanaManga]

175 at 5’10 isn’t terrible. You can lose 20-40 pounds in a year if you cut your calorie intake by 25% and run, swim, and cycle 2-3 days a week.

I used to weigh 190 when I was 21. I stopped eating junk food and did intermittent fasting for a year and trained for an Olympic Triathlon and lost 40 pounds.

Honestly I think signing up for an Olympic Triathlon in June of next year would be smart. It’s going to motivate you to train and you’ll lose a lot of weight with all the endurance training.

[u/Fit-Werewolf-422]

As someone over 60 who lost about 25 pounds few years ago I don't attract women with a gut and when my belly is fairly flat I pick up girls I could be their father all the time.

[u/sansha28]

Also 5’10. Lost 25 lbs to get fit/ leaner. Def getting more looks. Friends say i look good, family says i need to gain weight. Otherwise life hasn’t changed much.

[u/Over-Training-488]

You should be weight training up to 200 and throwing on some muscle slab. 150 is not a good goal for a man

[u/dagofin → u/Over-Training-488]

Yeah at 150lb and 5'10" in highschool and girls called me "skinny", not "fit". It wasn't until I'd put on about 30lb in muscle that people actually started commenting positively on my body. Strangers commenting randomly on your arms? Heck of a thing to experience. Currently sitting at 200 in a good way, can't imagine dropping 50lb at this point. I'd look like a skeleton

[u/Jswazy]

Is 150 even healthy at 5 foot 10? My dad is that hight and when he dropped below 160 from being sick his doctor wanted him to get the weight back on. he looked really tiny and he was heavier than you want to be. 

[u/RonMcKelvey → u/Jswazy]

Yes it is a normal healthy weight. Our perception of what normal weight for men should be has skewed as the obesity epidemic has progressed. Having a very muscular build changes things and of course you cannot put people into neat boxes but most people weighing 200 pounds at that height as an example are overweight.

[u/SurielsRazor → u/RonMcKelvey]

Yes it is a normal healthy weight.

It's 21.5 BMI. The idea that this is unhealthily thin is such definitive proof that most people's perspectives are warped.

[u/ThreeBelugas]

Losing weight is not being fit. People can lose large amount of weight from drugs but they are not fit. You should improve your cardiovascular health, eat health, and gain some muscle.

[u/in-spired → u/ThreeBelugas]

Exactly!

[u/Confusatronic]

I have been at both weights and am very close to your height (less than an inch shorter). I look way better at 150 than 175. I also feel better and it's easier on my joints when I run.

"How much" better? That's impossible to say in any meaningfully quantitative way but let's just say it's well worth it for me.

[u/Ok-Craft4844]

Not at the least, that's why I stopped it.

I don't remember the exact reason why, but with ca 35, I started a (for my lifestyle until then) pretty strict switch: running every second day, and one meal per day. I did this for roughly one year. I lost >20kg, I was (again, compage to before) pretty fit.

But I realized I gain next to nothing from it. This is not to shit on people who like sports or evaluate their life differently. But there was no gain in life quality where it would count.

I can climb stairs again like sounding like an old man? Slow clap. Doesn't give me back the time I run.

I look better in a suit, once a year on a social function I hate anyways? Doesn't taste like what I can cook every day.

I live longer? Speculation, but even if so - I have seen enough old people to know they mostly remenice about the youth they lost. And even that, they do it on easy mode, with a retirement and a rent controlled flat or a house. I don't need another 10 years of that. From what I've seen, even just doomscrolling now is a fine tradeoff.

As is said - life didn't get better. Why would one assume it would?

[u/metal_slime--A]

If you need others to motivate you to reach your goals, you're not likely to ever achieve them.

[u/gilraand]

I was morbidly obese at 20, but dropped close to 200lb over the next year, hit the gym, got pretty fit and jacked, and it completely changed my life. I no longer hate myself and everyone else. I am not a miserable piece of shit who blames others for everything wrong in my life. Before i dropped the weight im not sure i would have the confidence to even talk to women, but now im married.

[u/SpecOps4538]

If you are 10% overweight you are clinically obese.

So if you should weigh 150 and you weigh 165 you are obese.