Is this safe?

[dkl]

Hey guys,

I'm kind of new to weight loss in general as I have never really been overweight before. Over the course of 3 months of so, eating a ridiculous amount of food (4000-5000 kcal), I went from 149 - 194 lbs (173cm). Yeah don't ask why. I could sit here all day making excuses but my clothes over the last month and a half started to not fit me very well... To the point they didn't' fit at all. Upon noticing this i freaked out. Needless to say I have cutting food the last 5 weeks and have lost just over 23 lbs. This is on about 1300 kcal daily. I am just wonder if there may be complications from this because I feel fine and it works for me. Sometimes slightly hungry but nothing too much, however I am worrying that there may be underlying complications that could arise from this as this from my research seems like excessive weight loss.

 

[MrNiceGuy1]

Given your current state, dkl, your 1300Kcal diet is initially working, as your body is drawing upon your excess weight in order to fuel its endeavour.

However, due to your restricted calorie intake, I'd very much doubt it'll be much longer before you begin to plateau, as 1300 Kcal a day simply isn't sufficient, especially if you're exercising.

You'd wondered if there'd be complications from such a severe calorie restriction? I've provided the answer in suggesting the dreaded plateau, as you'll soon break even, as your body begins to hold on to the excess that you just cannot seem to shift.

Given that you'd asked the question in August, upon the assumption that you've continued with such a restriction, I dare say you've probably reached that stage.

The reason behind your inability to shift the excess weight is due to a slowing of your metabolism. As a result of your daily calorie restriction, you're placing your body into starvation, so it's holding on to the excess weight that you just cannot seem to shift.

Your body isn't stupid. By holding on to the excess, it's simply performing its role, in terms of preserving life. Despite the fact food may be in plentiful supply, your body hasn't evolved to 21st Century habits, so it's holding onto the excess as it doesn't know when it may be next replenished.

How do you rectify the plateau, allowing you to begin shedding the excess weight again?

The simple answer is to consume a sufficient amount of daily calories, an amount that continually allows you to create a daily deficit, based upon your level of activity.

In order to assist you, if you've not done so, I'd recommend that you research BMR calculators, since they're largely accurate in determining daily calorific needs, based upon age, weight, height and level of activity.