Starvation?

M

mileninium

New member
I have been on a diet since February first. I started at 380 and am down 73 pounds already. I was losing approximately 4-5 calories a week until about three weeks ago. Now I lose 3-4, which I realize is still a lot.

I have been counting calories. My suggested caloric intake for my current weigh is 2260 calories. I have been trying to eat only 1400 - 1600. (1800 - 2000 on a very rare cheat day.) My friends keep telling me I am eating too little but I've been eating this amount for at least one month now and am afraid that by increasing my intake to 2000 or so will really slow down how much I lose. Advice?

Thanks!
 
Bigger people tend to lose weight faster. We have the added bonus of having our own built in weights when we work out! Lol
Seriously, though...if your calories are how you say they are, and you're eating well and drinking plenty of water, I wouldn't worry. I eat between 1400-1600 a day, plus do cardio. I lose anywhere from 1-7 lbs a week. I'm 265, btw.
It sounds like you are doing great. If you are truly worried about it, though, go see your doctor. You don't want to do any permanent damage.

"Plaudite, amici, comedia finita est."
 
If your suggested caloric intake is 2260 and that is accounting for your level of physical activity then you are not pushing the caloric deficit too much yet, for weight loss a person should reduce caloric intake from the maintenance level by 500-1000 calories depending on the individual. That said males should NEVER go below 1500 and females should NEVER go below 1200 calories per day.

NOW, if you got your 2260 level from a calculator that did not take into account caloric expenditure from physical activity you are likely cutting too many calories out and putting your body at risk of going into starvation, when this happens your metabolism will slow greatly by shutting down various body functions to adjust for the reduced energy (calorie) intake.

Advice:
- Double check your daily caloric intake requirements and make sure they account for your average level of physical activity.
- Remember that on days you are not as physically active your required calories are less, and likewise when you are more active they are higher.
- Your body will turn to muscle tissue for energy needs in the absence of sufficient calories from the diet. Muscle tissue (lean mass) is VERY metabolically active so you cannot afford to sacrifice it during weight loss, this is also why moderate weight lifting is helpful for weight loss because it helps build lean mass as long as your protein intake is sufficient to support the maintenance and building of muscle tissue.
- If you do not take in enough calories your body will lower your metabolism by sacrificing bodily functions such as the immune system, compromising your health. You will be subject to muscle wasting (loss of lean mass), and more likely to store fat. Caloric needs and daily caloric intake should be monitored closely, along with macronutrient (protein, carb, fat) and vitamin/mineral intake.
 
Thanks for the advice. I think I am going to slowly increase my intake by a few hundred calories on days that I work as my job is moderately physical at times.
 
congrats!

First congrats on your weight loss!! Thats so awesome :)

& I dont think your eating too low at all, obviously what your doing has been working! My advice is too keep doing what your doing bc its working!! Your friends just care but sometimes they don't know whats best ya know?


keep up the good work!:hurray:
 
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