Did you get taller?!

[Norah Mitchel 1]

I'm not sure if this sounds right but after losing weight I actually started getting compliments on appearing taller in height! Numbers haven't changed and I don't think there's a chance that I'm still growing lol, but I actually do appear taller. My mom has always been a little taller than me but now it's actually the other way around. Did any of you guys suddenly grew lol?

[Griffan 25]

nope, all my scrubs pants are too long now...lol

[CTRose1160 136]

It may be a combination of how you now look, being thinner and a "perceived" look that you are now taller, or maybe you are now standing with your head up. I know when I was heavier, I did not walk around with my head held high..I tended to slouch..look down and not make eye contact with people...

[Bandista 7,466]

I was a half inch taller at a recent physical -- was 5'6 and now 5'6.5! It's funny because if I had known about BMI insurance requirements and had just slouched an inch at my initial weight loss surgery weigh-in I could have avoided a lot of stress (requirement was 40 and I was just under). My theory on being taller now is that I have lost enough weight to hold my body in a whole new way. I'm working out and stretching a lot -- neck is lengthening I that I'm not turtling forward as much. Better posture, holding our heads up high -- people not looking at the belly but up at a smiling face. It's great, isn't it? Cheers!

[terry1118 1,274]

I think it's just appearances. I'm actually an inch shorter but I have mild scoliosis (curved spine) and carrying all that weight around for years made the curvature a little worse. My back was in constant pain while overweight but now I'm pain-free. :-)

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

We can always "straighten up" for a height measurement.

But when we're heavier, especially with tummies that protrude, our backs bow inward to balance the tummy weight. That's why so many of us who are overweight have back pain.

Then we lose the weight, our backs straighten up, our necks straighten up and voila! We're effectively taller.

Congratulations!

[terry1118 1,274]

I was a half inch taller at a recent physical -- was 5'6 and now 5'6.5! It's funny because if I had known about BMI insurance requirements and had just slouched an inch at my initial weight loss surgery weigh-in I could have avoided a lot of stress (requirement was 40 and I was just under). My theory on being taller now is that I have lost enough weight to hold my body in a whole new way. I'm working out and stretching a lot -- neck is lengthening I that I'm not turtling forward as much. Better posture, holding our heads up high -- people not looking at the belly but up at a smiling face. It's great, isn't it? Cheers!

I noticed only yesterday that my posture is better - without all the weight pulling you down you can stand and sit straighter, effortlessly, without consciously trying to. :-)

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Absolutely! Of course, I'm wearing smokin hot heels a lot more often now as they no longer make my feet ache, so...

[pik 262]

Maybe with the weight loss, you are "holding your head up higher!"

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

appearing taller

@@AlAnoudAlGhunaim

yes!!!!!

i am now walking with my head held high, making me look one foot taller (at least)

kathy

Edited August 7, 2014 by proudgrammy

[utahgirll 81]

Everyone's responses to this almost make me cry. How encouraging.

I have had back pain since I broke my back in 1993, and I know the extra 100 lbs. I carry makes it worse. Your comments about that are also very encouraging.

in support,

tris

[CTRose1160 136]

You know, when I read this thread I truly had my own opinions about why someone would look taller, and not once did it dawn on me consideration of ones back issues due to being overweight.... I just assumed the obvious.....such great info from everyone....gives me a better perspective as well.

[Thinkingthinner1109 485]

Weird my husband just said to me the other day, "you look taller". I am already 5'9". I had someone tell me once before when I lost weight that I looked taller. It's weird.