losing weight but no energy?

BrokeBirkin

I'm the kind of person whose always tired. I've lost 13 lbs just cutting calories and am still always tired. I know I'm not going to start bouncing off the walls since I still eat junk and don't work out yet, but I assumed the weight loss itself would give me an energy boost since I don't have as much fat weighing me down and I'm not putting anywhere near the junk in me I was. Was I wrong about this and have to wait until my diet is mostly clean or until I start going to the gym? Or something else I'm not realizing. I'm so happy about how I look but it's discouraging when I want to sleep 10 hours a day and am still always tired.

DearestWinter

Have you seen a doctor? Lack of energy could be caused by all sorts of things.

BrokeBirkin

Well I don't have insurance but I've mentioned it in my free check ups and they said I seem healthy, probably just lifestyle but I've been like that since middle school.

xjessicaxrx

Im like this by the time i get home from work i cant be bothered doing anything, and i only have a desk job.

TR0berts

How big is your deficit? Or, if it's easier for you to look at it this way, for how much weight per week to lose do you have your account set up?

critterbug15

Do you take a multi? Are you making sure you get enough sodium, potassium, and magnesium? It may not be that simple or even that complex - it may just be that your deficit is high enough that you don't have the calories you need to be very active. That's a common side effect of big deficits. If you're willing to delay scale gratification, you could see how you would feel with slightly higher cals/day. Especially at a big deficit, it becomes really important that the foods you eat have some quality nutritional value. You have to pack a lot of nutrition into a small amount of food.

DearestWinter

When you get your free checkup can you ask them to test you for deficiencies? It could be any number of things and a professional needs to assess you. Not running any tests and saying you "seem healthy" isn't good enough, IMO.

As for your original question - I was a bit more active when I lost weight because I had more confidence. I didn't notice a physical change in my energy levels after losing 20 pounds. It was all mental.

kshama2001

BrokeBirkin wrote: »

I'm the kind of person whose always tired. I've lost 13 lbs just cutting calories and am still always tired. I know I'm not going to start bouncing off the walls since I still eat junk and don't work out yet, but I assumed the weight loss itself would give me an energy boost since I don't have as much fat weighing me down and I'm not putting anywhere near the junk in me I was. Was I wrong about this and have to wait until my diet is mostly clean or until I start going to the gym? Or something else I'm not realizing. I'm so happy about how I look but it's discouraging when I want to sleep 10 hours a day and am still always tired.

Exercise gives me energy. You don't have to belong to a gym to get it. Start by walking. http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/10-amazing-benefits-walking/

However, when my anemia was untreated I did get fatigue like you describe. Do get your iron (and thyroid, etc.) levels checked.

Oh, and eating clean per se is not necessary but you should look to see if any foods are making you more tired. Wheat is a common culprit. I'm ok with bread made from sprouted wheat but bread made from flour makes me sleepy.

brb_2013

You could be under eating potentially, but there are also medical conditions that can cause fatigue. I'd see my doctor if I felt that way

BrokeBirkin

I think kshama2001 might be on to something. When I went to donate blood I passed the blood test but passed out during and they admitted my iron was pretty low. They claimed I barely passed but I'm suspicious they lied because I have one of the most needed blood types. I get light headed more than what I'm told is normal.

jdude3262

I never have more energy than when I'm exercising. You'd think you would be more tired after working hard but it's opposite for me.

BrokeBirkin

Also I'm 157 and eating 1200 cal a day. It's my lose 2 pounds a week deficit according to this app, but obviously I'm not losing that quickly.

jessiethe3rd

Macronutrients is the next level of weight loss for you.
This is an important thing because it in large part will be the dictator of the energy. The exercise certainly plays a part, if for anything, vitality.

Weight loss is tough on the body so you really need to start to focus on feeding your muscles... Need the right balance with your genetics, temperament to carbs in check. Not really my place to advise you what is best, do your research

TR0berts

BrokeBirkin wrote: »

Also I'm 157 and eating 1200 cal a day. It's my lose 2 pounds a week deficit according to this app, but obviously I'm not losing that quickly.

In that case, you're consuming A LOT fewer Calories than your body is used to. Yes, I'd expect you to have much less energy. Try setting MFP to lose only 1 lb per week for a month. My guess, not knowing how tall you are, is that 2 lb per week is probably too much for you, anyway, considering you weigh 157.

hhazzouri

Lack of energy is usually one of the following (not counting medical issues)
-Not drinking enough water
-Drinking coffee instead of water
-Too little fat in diet
-Not getting Micro nutrients
-Did i say water ?
-Too much sleep

BrokeBirkin

Thanks for the replies. I think it might be low nutrients and I know I sleep too much. Like I said I've been like this as long as I can remember so it's not my new diet, it didn't really affect my energy levels. I'm going to look into nutrients soon.

ashcky

Have you ever had tests run on your thyroid?

JenniDaisy

How are you mental health-wise? I'm tired a lot of the time and it's linked with my depression.

ouryve

Agree with above:

-Reduce your weight loss weight goals for a while.
-Take supplements, particularly iron. Spatone is worth a try, if you can get it.
- see your doctor if things don't improve.
- meantime, work on improving the nutritional profile of what you eat - more protein from food, more fruit and veg, whole grains to replace refined carbs.