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When is a BBW not a BBW?
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Hello, maiden post on here. I've been pretty overweight all my adult life but I've lost a lot of weight over the last year. I used to be a size 24 but I'm now more a 16, on my way to 14. While I'm glad to be losing weight, it's been quite strange to get my head around my changing body and how I see myself and others see me.
So my question is, would you say there's a size where I can no longer describe myself as BBW (I know the second B is in the eye of the beholder)? I want to be honest and realistic in how I describe myself, so I'd appreciate anyone's perspectives on this. Thanks |
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By (user no longer on site) 27 weeks ago
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"Hello, maiden post on here. I've been pretty overweight all my adult life but I've lost a lot of weight over the last year. I used to be a size 24 but I'm now more a 16, on my way to 14. While I'm glad to be losing weight, it's been quite strange to get my head around my changing body and how I see myself and others see me.
So my question is, would you say there's a size where I can no longer describe myself as BBW (I know the second B is in the eye of the beholder)? I want to be honest and realistic in how I describe myself, so I'd appreciate anyone's perspectives on this. Thanks"
Hey Beautiful,
first off—congratulations on every single pound you’ve fought for. That’s not just weight loss, that’s you taking the wheel of your story and it’s stunning.
You asked about the second B but let me flip the mirror for a second: BBW isn’t a size tag,it’s a vibe ? It’s the way you own your curves, your confidence, your sensuality. You’re not shrinking out of “beautiful” by going from 24 to 16 to 14—you’re expanding into a version of yourself that feels electric in new ways. The glow-up isn’t the number on the tag; it’s the way you’re learning to see yourself with kinder, hungrier eyes. I thought long and hard about why I’m attracted to BBWs and I think that’s my view of it 💙 |
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"Hello, maiden post on here. I've been pretty overweight all my adult life but I've lost a lot of weight over the last year. I used to be a size 24 but I'm now more a 16, on my way to 14. While I'm glad to be losing weight, it's been quite strange to get my head around my changing body and how I see myself and others see me.
So my question is, would you say there's a size where I can no longer describe myself as BBW (I know the second B is in the eye of the beholder)? I want to be honest and realistic in how I describe myself, so I'd appreciate anyone's perspectives on this. Thanks"
In my opinion, you're borderline BBW, if you want to even use that label, I know many don't. I'd say a 16/18 is the small side of the BBW label. But it depends on height really.
Well done though. I'm shrinking too, although I'm at a bit of a standstill at the moment. It's weird getting used to a smaller body. I've still a long way to go but success stories like yours keep me inspired.
Katie
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Hey Beautiful,
first off—congratulations on every single pound you’ve fought for. That’s not just weight loss, that’s you taking the wheel of your story and it’s stunning.
You asked about the second B but let me flip the mirror for a second: BBW isn’t a size tag,it’s a vibe ? It’s the way you own your curves, your confidence, your sensuality. You’re not shrinking out of “beautiful” by going from 24 to 16 to 14—you’re expanding into a version of yourself that feels electric in new ways. The glow-up isn’t the number on the tag; it’s the way you’re learning to see yourself with kinder, hungrier eyes. I thought long and hard about why I’m attracted to BBWs and I think that’s my view of it 💙"
Thanks so much for your kind words and for flipping the mirror, that's given me lots to think about! |
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In my opinion, you're borderline BBW, if you want to even use that label, I know many don't. I'd say a 16/18 is the small side of the BBW label. But it depends on height really.
Well done though. I'm shrinking too, although I'm at a bit of a standstill at the moment. It's weird getting used to a smaller body. I've still a long way to go but success stories like yours keep me inspired.
Katie
"
Thanks so much for your thoughts. I'm only 5' 4", which doesn't help to carry the weight.
Well done for your weight loss, too. It's definitely a strange experience, like getting to know your body all over again. I've had many plateaus over the months, too. Hang in there, things will start moving again when your body's ready |
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In my opinion, you're borderline BBW, if you want to even use that label, I know many don't. I'd say a 16/18 is the small side of the BBW label. But it depends on height really.
Well done though. I'm shrinking too, although I'm at a bit of a standstill at the moment. It's weird getting used to a smaller body. I've still a long way to go but success stories like yours keep me inspired.
Katie
Thanks so much for your thoughts. I'm only 5' 4", which doesn't help to carry the weight.
Well done for your weight loss, too. It's definitely a strange experience, like getting to know your body all over again. I've had many plateaus over the months, too. Hang in there, things will start moving again when your body's ready "
Here's hoping. It's very frustrating when you think you're doing well but the numbers aren't moving. |
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"Hello, maiden post on here. I've been pretty overweight all my adult life but I've lost a lot of weight over the last year. I used to be a size 24 but I'm now more a 16, on my way to 14. While I'm glad to be losing weight, it's been quite strange to get my head around my changing body and how I see myself and others see me. You're average now o would say and well done that's amazing
So my question is, would you say there's a size where I can no longer describe myself as BBW (I know the second B is in the eye of the beholder)? I want to be honest and realistic in how I describe myself, so I'd appreciate anyone's perspectives on this. Thanks"
 |
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"for us, a size 16 is small
but each to their own, no judgement, we all like different.
size 16 is a mummy tummy xx"
Thank you both, it helps to know that. I think if I get to size 14 I'll have to rethink my profile |
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For me, the classification of “big” means bigger than average. 16 is the average dress size for British women, so I would say you’re just a BW now 😊
Congrats on committing to something that makes you happy and following through on it, it’s not easy xxx |
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By *recticWoman 26 weeks ago
taunton |
Having gone from a size 26 to a 6 in the last 2 years it’s hard to tell on yourself. I still can’t believe I don’t have 6 stone instead of 6lbs left to lose. Looking at others I wouldn’t say I’ve ever seen someone in a 12/14 and thought they were big. You can be a size 8 and curvy. It’s a minefield, just try and be confident with who you are is the key. |
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By *elkieWoman 26 weeks ago
Durham |
I lost a lot of weight, regained it, I’m losing more again. I found that given I’m short, a size 16 on me is firmly out of BBW territory.
BUT ALSO. As you move towards maintenance, you need an identity that’s not the hot fat chick. You need to figure out what you offer beyond your curves, otherwise you’re at risk for regaining. |
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"Having gone from a size 26 to a 6 in the last 2 years it’s hard to tell on yourself. I still can’t believe I don’t have 6 stone instead of 6lbs left to lose. Looking at others I wouldn’t say I’ve ever seen someone in a 12/14 and thought they were big. You can be a size 8 and curvy. It’s a minefield, just try and be confident with who you are is the key. "
Wow, size 26 to 6, that's fantastic! I understand it being hard to tell on yourself, in the mirror I think I'm the same size but can see a big difference in pics. Thanks for the good advice, and best of luck with shedding the last 6 lbs |
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"I lost a lot of weight, regained it, I’m losing more again. I found that given I’m short, a size 16 on me is firmly out of BBW territory.
BUT ALSO. As you move towards maintenance, you need an identity that’s not the hot fat chick. You need to figure out what you offer beyond your curves, otherwise you’re at risk for regaining. "
That's a really good point, thank you. I feel like I have to work out who I am again, let alone know what I can offer. I'm determined not to slide back into the old me, but it's a dangerous transition |
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"For me, the classification of “big” means bigger than average. 16 is the average dress size for British women, so I would say you’re just a BW now 😊
Congrats on committing to something that makes you happy and following through on it, it’s not easy xxx"
Thanks so much, I really appreciate it |
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From (my) male perspective over Size 18 is BBW and to me (personal taste) is unattractive.
I’d say 16-18 is “Curvy” and if toned, delightful, 12-14 is average/slim, less than 12 and you’re looking at slim/athletic, or possibly unattractively skinny.
Obviously, dress size isn’t the only attractant and there are exceptions to every ‘rule’ but generally that is my starting point. It’s not deliberate it is just what my eyes tell my brain. A stimulating (female) brain can also overrule any visual input.
As a side note, “Ample” is very misused on here.
Natural, no cosmetic surgery/boob enhancement is always preferable for me, too, whatever their size).
I’m sure I’ll get attacked now… Hope people appreciate my honesty from my own (currently ugly and for me, overweight) perspective. |
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"Hello, maiden post on here. I've been pretty overweight all my adult life but I've lost a lot of weight over the last year. I used to be a size 24 but I'm now more a 16, on my way to 14. While I'm glad to be losing weight, it's been quite strange to get my head around my changing body and how I see myself and others see me.
So my question is, would you say there's a size where I can no longer describe myself as BBW (I know the second B is in the eye of the beholder)? I want to be honest and realistic in how I describe myself, so I'd appreciate anyone's perspectives on this. Thanks"
14 to 16 is not big at all
More curvaceous I'd say.
Quite a regular size. |
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I'm a size 10 now (from 18/20, lost through lifestyle changes not medications) but definitely not in slim, athletic or average territory, carrying the weight around my middle I'm still comfortably in the curvy bracket 
I might reach average as I continue with weight loss, but slim is not a word I ever think I'll use for myself - and I'm fine with that  |
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I'm in the same situation. Been a BBW for over 10years now with weight loss I'm a size 12/14 and yet I see myself still as a size18.
Which is bizarre but the brain needs to catch up.
I've changed my profile to average size now. Which I never thought I'd do and deleted most of my previous pics. As that isn't me anymore which if I'm honest was a little sad.
But I think it should be up to you how you want to describe yourself xx
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"Hello, maiden post on here. I've been pretty overweight all my adult life but I've lost a lot of weight over the last year. I used to be a size 24 but I'm now more a 16, on my way to 14. While I'm glad to be losing weight, it's been quite strange to get my head around my changing body and how I see myself and others see me.
So my question is, would you say there's a size where I can no longer describe myself as BBW (I know the second B is in the eye of the beholder)? I want to be honest and realistic in how I describe myself, so I'd appreciate anyone's perspectives on this. Thanks"
Your a beautiful curvy woman |
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By *essTTWoman 26 weeks ago
Birmingham |
"Hello, maiden post on here. I've been pretty overweight all my adult life but I've lost a lot of weight over the last year. I used to be a size 24 but I'm now more a 16, on my way to 14. While I'm glad to be losing weight, it's been quite strange to get my head around my changing body and how I see myself and others see me.
So my question is, would you say there's a size where I can no longer describe myself as BBW (I know the second B is in the eye of the beholder)? I want to be honest and realistic in how I describe myself, so I'd appreciate anyone's perspectives on this. Thanks"
I've lost weight and now a 14. But still refer to myself as fat/big (never bbw as I hate the term) x |
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By (user no longer on site) 25 weeks ago
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Congrats on your weight loss.3 stone loss for me.. I class myself a size 10 with wobbly bits.. Hopefully you will find a label to suit you.. if you need to label.. |
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