BMR for short peoples

About_Thyme

My BMR at the moment is around 1480. At my goal it will be around 1300. Is it safe to assume that short people can go below 1200 without exercise to create a weight-loss deficit? Is it accurate to assume the 1200 kcal minimum was created with that "average" person at say 5' 5" in mind?

LazSommer

If you're short enough, yeah. Just make sure your calculations are sound.

malibu927

Depending on how short you are, yes. But BMR is what your body burns just to live. You then have to figure out your TDEE and take the deficit from there.

About_Thyme

Thank you both for your replies. From what I gather, the main point is to create a 1750-7000(max) kcal deficit, after exercise, whatever height one might be.

SophieSmall95

About_Thyme wrote: »

My BMR at the moment is around 1480. At my goal it will be around 1300. Is it safe to assume that short people can go below 1200 without exercise to create a weight-loss deficit? Is it accurate to assume the 1200 kcal minimum was created with that "average" person at say 5' 5" in mind?

Yes. I'm 4'9 and can safely lose weight (doctor approved) at a sedentary activity level between 1000-1300 calories a day. If I've had an active day I eat more, but I generally barely get any exercise.

Yes I'd agree the 1200 recommendation does not take into account the very short. But it is a pretty good number for most people as the absolute minimum.

Gisel2015

I am 4 feet 11 inches and a much older individual that most of the people in MFP and my present BMR is 1034; although some sites give me a lower number (my BMI is 20.5). At my highest weight of 114lbs (almost 7 years ago), my BMR was 1094, so for me eating 1200 calories net (not counting or eating exercise calories), was sufficient to get to my goal weight. However, I ate some of the exercises calories if I was hungry or felt that my body needed more fuel. By the way, I still follow that approach.

I have been maintaining for six years with increased calories of 1450, regardless of what I burn at the gym; which is not much considering my age, size and workouts (mainly strength training and fitness classes with moderate cardio). So yes, size matter and what works for taller people don't necessarily work for shorties like us. My suggestion is to try to find your "happy" number and change it up or down according with your goals and results but always have and keep in mind your health because that is what really matters.

TavistockToad

About_Thyme wrote: »

My BMR at the moment is around 1480. At my goal it will be around 1300. Is it safe to assume that short people can go below 1200 without exercise to create a weight-loss deficit? Is it accurate to assume the 1200 kcal minimum was created with that "average" person at say 5' 5" in mind?

I think you're confusing bmr with tdee... if you eat 1480cals you will lose weight because that is lower than your TDEE

If your BMR is 1480 then your tdee is at least 1776.

middlehaitch

Are you using your BMR, TDEE or MFP's NEAT to come up with those numbers?

Like @Gisel2015, above, I am older but 5'1.
I lost on 1200 cals and eating back between 150-175 cals per hour of exercise.

In maintenance (100-105)
BMR is 975,
NEAT, by MFP's initial sedentary calculation, 1200
NEAT, through reverse diet, 1350
TDEE, just lifting x3 a week 1450-1500

if you wish to eat less than 1200 a week it would be wise to talk to your doctor, get blood work done, and get a referral so you can work out an eating plan that will cover your nutritional needs.

Unfortunately being petite does not negate basic nutritional needs.

Cheers, h.

kimny72

The deficit you need comes from TDEE not BMR. My BMR is @ 1350, but my TDEE is more like 1800, so I can lose half-a-pound per week eating 1550.

As @middlehaitch alluded to, being shorter often means losing more slowly, since you don't have the wiggle room larger folks do. While some small women can get enough nutrition eating less than 1200 cals, it is very difficult and requires diligence. I decided I would rather lose a little slower and not have to be so strict with my diet.