Any plans on MFP Introducing an Option to Lose More than 2lbs a Week?
Aeradom
Posts: 8 Member
I'm just curious, I've looked over the discussion threads and the only one I found directly discussing this was 5 years ago. Thus, I thought I'd just bring it up again. Now I understand that for people closer to the ideal weight, it can be unsafe to lose more than 2lbs per week. But let me tell you, I'm no where near that.
When I started my diet 2 weeks ago, I was close to 400 lbs. And after some real basic stuff like: cut back to basically 1200-1300 calories a day, eliminated cokes and switched it out with water (adding flavorizers to make it more palatable), and got my butt up and started walking 3 mph for about 20-25 minutes, I've lost a little over ten pounds over the past two weeks. And honestly, I'm not really laboring to do so. I mean I'm not hungry or sore or anything, in fact I could probably and will exercise a little more. I saw all this to not to be a braggart, but to assure anyone who would wonder if I'm at any health risk. I've already cleared it with my doctor and says that, while I'll eventually start to see less weight loss over the coming weeks, my current system isn't putting in any health risks.
So with all that aside, I'd like a way to be able to keep track of my current weight, and how much I need to do to continue at 5 pounds lost per week, at least until I need to start phasing down my weight loss each week. The problem with MFP is it just seems designed for otherwise healthy people that are looking to lose weight, not obese people such as myself that can lose a lot more than 2 pounds a week without a sweat (metaphorically speaking). Does the Premium version keep track of it better? Or is there another app out that that does this. Or better yet, any plans to change this with MFP?
Thanks in advance for all your responses.
When I started my diet 2 weeks ago, I was close to 400 lbs. And after some real basic stuff like: cut back to basically 1200-1300 calories a day, eliminated cokes and switched it out with water (adding flavorizers to make it more palatable), and got my butt up and started walking 3 mph for about 20-25 minutes, I've lost a little over ten pounds over the past two weeks. And honestly, I'm not really laboring to do so. I mean I'm not hungry or sore or anything, in fact I could probably and will exercise a little more. I saw all this to not to be a braggart, but to assure anyone who would wonder if I'm at any health risk. I've already cleared it with my doctor and says that, while I'll eventually start to see less weight loss over the coming weeks, my current system isn't putting in any health risks.
So with all that aside, I'd like a way to be able to keep track of my current weight, and how much I need to do to continue at 5 pounds lost per week, at least until I need to start phasing down my weight loss each week. The problem with MFP is it just seems designed for otherwise healthy people that are looking to lose weight, not obese people such as myself that can lose a lot more than 2 pounds a week without a sweat (metaphorically speaking). Does the Premium version keep track of it better? Or is there another app out that that does this. Or better yet, any plans to change this with MFP?
Thanks in advance for all your responses.
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Replies
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You can manually set your calorie goals. I'd guess most of the successful people on here do it manually anyway...0
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Yes, work with your doctor or use an online calorie calculator to identify your own calorie goals and then manually set that in MFP. I don't think the site will change the parameters because they don't want people to use the site for extreme plans without a doctor's support. Since you're working with your doctor, you're fine.
Congrats on a great start and good luck!
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abetterluke wrote: »You can manually set your calorie goals. I'd guess most of the successful people on here do it manually anyway...LeslieB042812 wrote: »Yes, work with your doctor or use an online calorie calculator to identify your own calorie goals and then manually set that in MFP. I don't think the site will change the parameters because they don't want people to use the site for extreme plans without a doctor's support. Since you're working with your doctor, you're fine.
Congrats on a great start and good luck!
So, question then, how do I manually set a calorie goal for the day? I've poked around the site and the app and can't seem to find that. Do I need to be a premium member to do that?
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Congrats on your progress! If you're now at 1200 per day, you can't create a bigger deficit through calories because you would be eating nothing. So you have to make it up with exercise. My guess is that at 400 pounds you just naturally burn a lot more than someone who weighs less, plus weight just tends to drop off faster at that point.
I understand your frustration with the system but I would not say that MFP is geared towards "otherwise healthy people looking to lose weight," and not obese people. I started at 301 and many other started at this range or higher. It is not an easy journey for any of us. You received some tips above so I hope they help you keep on track according to your goals. Keep doing what you're doing!
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On the top of your page (if you're logged in on a computer and not through an appabetterluke wrote: »You can manually set your calorie goals. I'd guess most of the successful people on here do it manually anyway...LeslieB042812 wrote: »Yes, work with your doctor or use an online calorie calculator to identify your own calorie goals and then manually set that in MFP. I don't think the site will change the parameters because they don't want people to use the site for extreme plans without a doctor's support. Since you're working with your doctor, you're fine.
Congrats on a great start and good luck!
So, question then, how do I manually set a calorie goal for the day? I've poked around the site and the app and can't seem to find that. Do I need to be a premium member to do that?
On the top of your page (if you're logged in on a computer and not through an app), click on "MyHome". This will change the options in the dark blue ribbon below. Click on the "Goals" option below "MyHome" and just to the right of "Home". Once you're in goals, you'll be able to edit your daily calorie target. You can't really do this for each day, unless you just went in an changed it each day, so it might make more sense to select your typical day's goal.
Hope this helps!
Editing to add that I just realized you can do daily goals if you have premium.0 -
Congrats on your progress! If you're now at 1200 per day, you can't create a bigger deficit through calories because you would be eating nothing. So you have to make it up with exercise. My guess is that at 400 pounds you just naturally burn a lot more than someone who weighs less, plus weight just tends to drop off faster at that point.
I understand your frustration with the system but I would not say that MFP is geared towards "otherwise healthy people looking to lose weight," and not obese people. I started at 301 and many other started at this range or higher. It is not an easy journey for any of us. You received some tips above so I hope they help you keep on track according to your goals. Keep doing what you're doing!
First off, I hope I didn't come off as dismissive or disrespectful to anyone losing weight, no matter their starting point. I mean, I saw from your ticker signature and see you've lost over a 100 pounds, which no matter your starting point is impressive and inspiration to someone like me who hopes to lose that much before it's all said and done. So apologies just in case it was taken the wrong way.
What I was referring to was more of my frustration of not being able to plan (with at least some level of accuracy) how much weight I'll lose from week to week, due in part to the limitations of the app itself with the way it sets goals. And to be clear, I'm not suggesting I'd eat less than 1200 calories at this point, but more a long the lines of eating healthier 1200 calories. I mean, I'm still eating I did before I started my diet, the only difference being that I eat smaller quantities, and just once a day for those kinds of food.
Thank you for the reply and support.0 -
LeslieB042812 wrote: »On the top of your page (if you're logged in on a computer and not through an appabetterluke wrote: »You can manually set your calorie goals. I'd guess most of the successful people on here do it manually anyway...LeslieB042812 wrote: »Yes, work with your doctor or use an online calorie calculator to identify your own calorie goals and then manually set that in MFP. I don't think the site will change the parameters because they don't want people to use the site for extreme plans without a doctor's support. Since you're working with your doctor, you're fine.
Congrats on a great start and good luck!
So, question then, how do I manually set a calorie goal for the day? I've poked around the site and the app and can't seem to find that. Do I need to be a premium member to do that?
On the top of your page (if you're logged in on a computer and not through an app), click on "MyHome". This will change the options in the dark blue ribbon below. Click on the "Goals" option below "MyHome" and just to the right of "Home". Once you're in goals, you'll be able to edit your daily calorie target. You can't really do this for each day, unless you just went in an changed it each day, so it might make more sense to select your typical day's goal.
Hope this helps!
Editing to add that I just realized you can do daily goals if you have premium.
Ah! There it is. Not really sure how I missed that but thanks again!
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I don't think this person read the whole tread; probably just your title. Large deficits result in the loss of fat and a lot of muscle. But with starting at near 400 pounds there is nothing wrong with having a deficit larger than 2 lbs per week. Congrats on your loss thus far! 0 -
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As a male you shouldn't be eating less than 1500 calories a day. I'm not even sure if MFP would let you set your goal to 1200.0
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What seems confusing? The more weight you lose at a rapid weight, the more of it is lean muscle mass. Those who are at an advanced stage of obesity can lose more in the initial stages, but it still includes losses of lean muscle masses. I'd do whatever I could to diminish the amount of lean muscle mass I could during the process even if it meant it took me longer to get to the finish line. Additionally the more rapid the weight loss, the more likely to have more loose skin when all is said and done. Slow and steady win the race, but I am only in charge of my weight loss goals, not anyone else's.
Fair enough, but losing more than 2 lbs a week at a 400 lb starting weight doesn't seem too much at all. And, at that size, it's more important to get the weigh off for other health concerns.0 -
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What seems confusing? The more weight you lose at a rapid weight, the more of it is lean muscle mass. Those who are at an advanced stage of obesity can lose more in the initial stages, but it still includes losses of lean muscle masses. I'd do whatever I could to diminish the amount of lean muscle mass I could during the process even if it meant it took me longer to get to the finish line. Additionally the more rapid the weight loss, the more likely to have more loose skin when all is said and done. Slow and steady win the race, but I am only in charge of my weight loss goals, not anyone else's.
Fair enough, but losing more than 2 lbs a week at a 400 lb starting weight doesn't seem too much at all.
Eating at 1200 to 1300 calories a day for a 400 lb male does though.
I agree, that is too low. As someone else posted, I would come to a good calorie number along with my doctor and an dietitian.0 -
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What seems confusing? The more weight you lose at a rapid weight, the more of it is lean muscle mass. Those who are at an advanced stage of obesity can lose more in the initial stages, but it still includes losses of lean muscle masses. I'd do whatever I could to diminish the amount of lean muscle mass I could during the process even if it meant it took me longer to get to the finish line. Additionally the more rapid the weight loss, the more likely to have more loose skin when all is said and done. Slow and steady win the race, but I am only in charge of my weight loss goals, not anyone else's.
Fair enough, but losing more than 2 lbs a week at a 400 lb starting weight doesn't seem too much at all.
Eating at 1200 to 1300 calories a day for a 400 lb male does though.
I agree, that is too low.
And he's eating that now and asking how to manipulate the formula that MFP gives me. To me that is to make it even lower.
But as I said....his body, his choice. I made the choice of how I wanted to lose weight and get healthy.
I talked with my GP after I started the diet (made the initial appointment but it being two weeks out, decided to just start things off anyways) and passed the basic physical she gave me. She just advised me the usual stuff about not to pushing it and as long as I'm not getting dizzy maintain current intake levels but do not go lower. And I don't plan on going any lower anyways, even when the weight loss amount starts to decline. I really just decided to pick an amount that was comfortable for me and that amount just sort of leveled off between 1200 or 1300 that consists of 2 meal replacement shakes, 1 500 calorie meal, and 1 100-200 calorie snack.
As far as me eating more, I was actually considering that earlier when I was starting to consider my exercise on the MFP app. A question came to mind so I'll deposit it to you guys:
When someone talk about a 1200 or 1500 calorie diet, is that factoring in exercises? I didn't really bring this up with the doctor (except to say I was doing some walking on the treadmill) but do I need to factor those exercises in? If so, my diet is actually lower than the previously stated 1200 calories, more like 1000 then.
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You are supposed to eat your exercise calories back. 1000 is dangerously low. This whole thread is sad to me. I hope you do decide to eat more. Most people who start your size and eat at such a drastic deficit....start off like gandbusters, but a couple months later (if that)...they are no where to be found.
I am a 5'8" woman who weighs in the 140s. I could eat 1800 to 2000 calories a day and still lose a pound a week.
You are being a bit overly dramatic. I'm not trying to kill myself; nor am I really looking for huge short term gains at the expense of long term failure. Like I said, I haven't been that hungry really, and thus just ate less. As long as my doctor isn't overly worried, and I'm not starving myself, then I don't see the harm. Today I did do extra exercise though which got me a bit worried and thus went out and got subways for a meal totaling 600 calories to balance out the extra walking that I did while I waited for my grandmother to get done at the salon.0 -
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OP, please. Eat more. Even at above 1200 calories, you're going to lose more than 2 pounds per week with your stats. I'm a short little lady and struggle eating 1200-1300 calories on a cut.
And also, your poor lean body mass
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I support you OP. 100%. You can do it!0
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When someone talk about a 1200 or 1500 calorie diet, is that factoring in exercises? I didn't really bring this up with the doctor (except to say I was doing some walking on the treadmill) but do I need to factor those exercises in? If so, my diet is actually lower than the previously stated 1200 calories, more like 1000 then.
MFP's 1200 calorie floor is for food intake. The idea being that's what you need to eat for minimum nutrition. Exercise doesn't subtract nutrition and "net calories" aren't a thing in the medical science world.
High loss rates with low calorie intakes are feasible in the very obese, and used as approved medical interventions. MFP's methods are aimed at the normal population not those under supervision of doctors so it makes some sense to have 2 lbs/week as a limit in fact that's too high for many and they hit the 1200 calorie floor. Custom goals allow a way round that for those who know what they are doing / under supervision.
There are multiple weight loss studies using 800 kcal/day protocols but the "food" is carefully prescribed to ensure full nutrition. Weight loss can exceed 2 lbs/week and the assumption that muscle loss is proportional to calorie deficit seems to be debatable. Measuring body composition accurately is difficult and water loss is also "fat free mass" that often gets conflated with "muscle".0 -
There are many great articles in MFP worth reading on sustainable safe weight loss. Basal metabolic rate is the calories our bodies need to burn to let all our organs function. Thus the emphasis on not dropping below that for very long. You can calculate your weight loss, in theory, by calories intake (food and drinks) - calories burned or "calories out" (basal metabolism + cardio). Divide number by 9, as 1 gram of fat is 9 calories. That gives you a theoretical weight loss. For 5 pounds the internet says CI-CO =-17500 calories. Having said that theory, I droped 10 pound in 3 weeks then nothing for the last week with a consistent calorie deficit. Journey is, for me, non linear: fluid retention, building muscles and unmentionables like Constipation all can muck the immediate results up. Don't get discouraged. Also track waist measurements and the non scale life improvements to help you maintain that initial enthusiasm. Great start!!1
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Great job, keep doing what you're doing only you can challenge yourself from week to week to see what works for you. Losing weight is a challenge for all of us for the rest of our lives. We are what we eat0
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I am certainly not a doctor, nor do I play one on tv, and as far as I know none of the other people answering are either. If you are talking to, and being honest with, your doctor, and you plan to keep them in the loop every step of the way then what do we know? I would hate to only get 1200 calories a day (I am currently eyeballing a pear on my desk). But as the one lady keeps saying, it is in fact your journey. Congratulations on taking the first steps!!0
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Yes, there is some expectation of losing lean body mass because fat loss will also cause water loss that would register as lean body mass in several systems.When someone talk about a 1200 or 1500 calorie diet, is that factoring in exercises? I didn't really bring this up with the doctor (except to say I was doing some walking on the treadmill) but do I need to factor those exercises in? If so, my diet is actually lower than the previously stated 1200 calories, more like 1000 then.
MFP's 1200 calorie floor is for food intake. The idea being that's what you need to eat for minimum nutrition. Exercise doesn't subtract nutrition and "net calories" aren't a thing in the medical science world.
High loss rates with low calorie intakes are feasible in the very obese, and used as approved medical interventions. MFP's methods are aimed at the normal population not those under supervision of doctors so it makes some sense to have 2 lbs/week as a limit in fact that's too high for many and they hit the 1200 calorie floor. Custom goals allow a way round that for those who know what they are doing / under supervision.
There are multiple weight loss studies using 800 kcal/day protocols but the "food" is carefully prescribed to ensure full nutrition. Weight loss can exceed 2 lbs/week and the assumption that muscle loss is proportional to calorie deficit seems to be debatable. Measuring body composition accurately is difficult and water loss is also "fat free mass" that often gets conflated with "muscle".0
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