How long is it safe to do a VLCD?

turtlemt20

Hi -- over the past three months, I stopped working out and started eating junk food out of depression and gained 20 lbs. I started taking an anti-depressant and am back to my workout routine and eating whole foods again. I'm not very hungry and could be fine with eating 300-400 calories a day but I'm forcing myself to average at least 500-600 calories/day. I work a sedentary office job and do an hour on the elliptical 5x/week. Last year, I got amenorrhea while losing weight and I'd like to avoid that hopefully so was wondering how many days I can eat like this before I have to up my calories?

WinoGelato

Zero days. You already know this is unhealthy and since you've had drastic side effects from VLCD in the past then I'm guessing you've been treated for an eating disorder? Please seek help from your doctor - and if you haven't been treated please reach out to someone who specializes in eating disorders.

MichelleSilverleaf

Unless you're under doctor supervision you absolutely have no reason to be on a VLCD. You're setting yourself up for some very serious short term and long term damage (brittle nails, hair loss, muscle loss, etc)

apullum

What you are describing is not safe at all. 1200 is the minimum number of calories needed by women per day. Don’t eat less than that. When you’re exercising, you also need to be eating back your exercise calories.

Your post indicates that you know these things. You understand that you had health problems that were caused by eating too little, yet you’re continuing to undereat. This suggests that you should see a professional about your inability to eat enough.

kimny72

Www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

Please speak to a professional and take good care of yourself.

PaulaWallaDingDong

However long your doctor says. *hint hint*

malibu927

Up your calories now before you damage your body. The amenorrhea is just one thing that can/will happen.

rheddmobile

Not very long at all if you're unlucky and have problems with heart arrhythmia - you could die or end up in a coma. Stop it and seek help.

sugaraddict4321

Dear Posters,

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