I was told that at 273 lbs, I was carrying 190lbs of lean body mass. I told the trainer that my goal weight was 185, and he told me that I should not want to go that low. I know the most important thing about what determines your appearance, isn't how much you weigh, but your body composition, but I can't help but feeling slightly frustrated that what I originally set as my goal, isn't feasible... atleast in the trainers opinions. He did say that, most likely no matter what program I am on, since I am carrying a significant amount of fat that I as I cut calories and do a lot of cardio I am bound to lose some muscle, but I shouldn't expect or try to lose the amount that would get me to my origianl goal weight.

My question: Is this true?? should I not expect to try to get to that goal?? Is my goal unrealistic?? and should I adjust it slightly.

I was told that at 273 lbs, I was carrying 190lbs of lean body mass. I told the trainer that my goal weight was 185, and he told me that I should not want to go that low. I know the most important thing about what determines your appearance, isn't how much you weigh, but your body composition, but I can't help but feeling slightly frustrated that what I originally set as my goal, isn't feasible... atleast in the trainers opinions. He did say that, most likely no matter what program I am on, since I am carrying a significant amount of fat that I as I cut calories and do a lot of cardio I am bound to lose some muscle, but I shouldn't expect or try to lose the amount that would get me to my origianl goal weight.

My question: Is this true?? should I not expect to try to get to that goal?? Is my goal unrealistic?? and should I adjust it slightly.

You are not too sure how you will look at 185 or 195 punds. As your body starts to shed some weight then determine, whether you feel like you should lose more weight. You can definitely lose muscle and fat at the same time, but if you want to maintain your current muscle mass then make sure you make the provisions on your diet (eat more) and weight train.

I personal think you should adjust it some. If you get close to your LBM you'll look excellent and fit even if you did'nt reach your original goal.

I'm close to you, Right now I weigh 278lbs and my LBM, depending on how measured, is between 197 and 203.

I was told that at 273 lbs, I was carrying 190lbs of lean body mass. I told the trainer that my goal weight was 185, and he told me that I should not want to go that low. My question: Is this true?? should I not expect to try to get to that goal?? Is my goal unrealistic?? and should I adjust it slightly.

%BF measure is an estimate at best. From that he determined your LBM, assuming he did a accurate caliper measure. The %bf measure could have off as much as 5%. Just wait and see how things are going in the months to come.

You must have really been maintaining muscle to have only 30% at 273. How did you do it

Although you seem to understand that body composition means much more about your appearance than weight, you seem to be letting the scale distort your thinking. You know the facts but psychologically, you just can't accept it. I understand the feeling as I was only concerned about my weight for years. I once weighed 170 lbs and I didn't look nearly as good as I now look at 180. The difference is that I now have much more LBM.

Trust me, if you get down to 210 lbs and maintain 190 lbs of LBM, you'll be thrilled with the results. I suggest you set a goal to achieve a certain bf% and don't worry about what your weight will be at that point.

It really is too early to be worrying about what your final weight will be. At higher bf levels, there's plenty of room for error. Also, consider yourself to be really lucky if you don't lose some LBM along the way.

Edit: RTE, I love Elwood P Dowd. That's one of my all time favorite movie characters.