Hi Crazy Hitch. No, my weight in not in a "normal BMI range". Currently in the "overweight range". But to me, right now a weight in the normal BMI range would not necessarily be an "ideal" for me. What is "ideal" to one may certainly differ for another, for sure, and throughout one's life. In any case, I see "ideal" as a weight where I can be as healthy as possible for my age and feel sufficient energy and confidence. I think I'd be happy and healthy a little heavier than the high end of a normal BMI. There are factors that make me feel so.

I would benefit from losing weight as I am pre-diabetic and take cholesterol and blood pressure medication. I strongly suspect my antipsychotic made me more prone to these issues. That does bug me. I also dislike that past Lithium use affected my kidneys and likely brought on hypothyroidism pre-maturely (common in my family). I've had to weigh benefits to detriments with my psychiatrists in the past. Changes were made, at times. Other times I've stuck to certain meds.

When my current antipsychotic dose is decreased weight loss does seem easier. However, in a world without meds, I may not have a "normal BMI". Depression was also a source of weight gain for me. With the exception of certain medications, an even bigger one. Then, I've a genetic predisposition...and now age. I've weighed less, at times, while on bipolar medications (including antipsychotic) than a time before I took bipolar meds. Or the same, including taking much of my current mix. Lifestyle/circumstances and moods were factors.

A unique challenge of mine is seeing myself as trimmer than reality. Kinda the opposite of the norm. That curbs motivation to lose weight, despite knowing what the scale says.