1200 calorie myth

mactaffy84

Does anyone really know where the "you have to eat 1200 calories a day or you are going to seriously harm yourself" come from? Because if you look at the RDA requirement for nutrients, and look at the caloric value for each, then it comes out to about 800 calories for women and about 900 calories for men. So even according to the RDA, you can eat well below 1200 calories and get your nutritional needs. That it is, of course, if you think the RDAs are valid. They are set by the Institute of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences.

No being snarky here, I'm not suggesting everyone do this. People need to figure out for themselves what works. I just wonder why everyone screams that you MUST get 1200 calories a day or you are doing serious harm. Not necessarily.

gypsy_spirit

Well, I guess if you're just going to flop down on the floor and exist, you'd be fine at 800 calories a day.

Your body needs FUEL to do the things that I like to do, like walk, run, carry groceries, lift weights, etc. In order to have energy, I have to consume enough calories so my body has something to burn.

But you are right about one thing - "People need to figure out for themselves what works" and then own the consequences.

zoeysasha37

Well, I guess if you're just going to flop down on the floor and exist, you'd be fine at 800 calories a day.

Your body needs FUEL to do the things that I like to do, like walk, run, carry groceries, lift weights, etc. In order to have energy, I have to consume enough calories so my body has something to burn.

But you are right about one thing - "People need to figure out for themselves what works" and then own the consequences.

Yep! :-) personally, I like to give myself plenty of fuel so I can do all the things I enjoy. But I also think that people should do whatever works for them.

Beet_Girl

You might meet requirements for micronutrients, but I would think that it's still unhealthy as your body will start using muscle as fuel at that low of a calorie intake.

SezxyStef

RDA is minimum requirements...

and I would love to see me get enough protien (120g) on 1200 calories...

and on 1200 calories you lose muscle along with fat and you are weak, lethargic, hair gets brittle, nails don't grow well and are thin...

your body needs fuel and 1200 calories is not enough to fuel your body at rest let alone doing regular daily activity and never mind adding in exercise...

QuietBloom

Does anyone really know where the "you have to eat 1200 calories a day or you are going to seriously harm yourself" come from? Because if you look at the RDA requirement for nutrients, and look at the caloric value for each, then it comes out to about 800 calories for women and about 900 calories for men. So even according to the RDA, you can eat well below 1200 calories and get your nutritional needs. That it is, of course, if you think the RDAs are valid. They are set by the Institute of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences.

No being snarky here, I'm not suggesting everyone do this. People need to figure out for themselves what works. I just wonder why everyone screams that you MUST get 1200 calories a day or you are doing serious harm. Not necessarily.

I think that for anyone to meet their nutrient requirements on that low of a calorie intake, they would have to pay extreme attention to what they are eating, and not many people can actually do that, day in and day out. 1200 allows some leeway in that regard. VLCD should be done under the care of a doctor, so that he/she can ensure that there is no damage being done existing on the extreme edge of caloric deprivation. Also, 800 calories a day does not allow for any type of exercise, which is essential for maintaining lean body mass.

loubidy

Maybe if your in a coma?

czechwolf52

Anorexics eat about 800 calories a day and that seems to work out for them...


But seriously, 2 year olds need 1,000-1,400 calories a day. I think a fully grown adult needs more food than a toddler in order to function.

ilikebeingweirdsodealwithit

well, it really depends on how tall, how old, and how active you are. Like, i'm only 5 ft tall, and every single calorie bar calculator that I've put my stats into (including my doctor) have said that i should eat about 1200 calories. I don't feel lethargic, I don't feel unhealthy, I have plenty of energy, I have long, thick curly hair, and it doesn't really seem to be affecting me at all, and I've eaten like this for years. and also, to czechwolf52 (really not trying to be critical, or snarky or anything, please don't hate me, just giving my opinion) toddlers are also growing at a rapid rate, and depending on the toddler are actually pretty active.

potluck965

But seriously, 2 year olds need 1,000-1,400 calories a day. I think a fully grown adult needs more food than a toddler in order to function.

Not really a good comparison. A 2 year old has a lot of growing to do and is constantly burning calories. Most of us here are trying to shrink.

I pretty well need to stick to the 1200 calorie limit as a base or I will gain weight. Maybe I am not that typical as I am older and cannot exercise much.

I do agree that less than 1200 is probably too low, although there are some very small people that might get along on less.

I am speaking only as a base, exercise calories and daily activity need to be figured on a case by case basis.

cwolfman13

I just wonder why everyone screams that you MUST get 1200 calories a day or you are doing serious harm. Not necessarily.

Yeah, there aren't like a million threads around here like "HALP...I'm eating jack **** and don't get my period anymore"...or "HALP...I eat like a ****ing bird and my hair is falling out."

I personally wouldn't be able to do jack **** on 900 calories and my body would pretty much consume itself, muscle and all...that would be stupid now wouldn't it.

Maybe you should just go do an experiment on yourself and see how things turn out...

babykitten13

I started about 4 days using Myfitnesspa and since I want to lose weight, it told me I have to eat 1200 calories per day. Only yesterday I ate these 1200 calories and that's because I had chocolate too. Since I started the program I exercise daily. Usually 20-30 mins per day so supposedly I can eat more calories if I want. The 1200 program doesn't allow me to eat many fat foods but I can have a full breakfast and lunch and then a light dinner, plus fruits in between. So, I guess it's not that bad, right?

ndj1979

I have a hard enough time whenI am cutting and eating 2100 to 2200 a day, so I cannot imagine what I would be like if I was only eating 1200 a day…

If you want to be skinny fat and damage your metabolism, then sure you can eat 900-1200 a day…but I think for most people 1200 is going to be at the bottom level bare minimum of intake to function and hit micro/macro nutrients…

albayin

I started about 4 days using Myfitnesspa and since I want to lose weight, it told me I have to eat 1200 calories per day. Only yesterday I ate these 1200 calories and that's because I had chocolate too. Since I started the program I exercise daily. Usually 20-30 mins per day so supposedly I can eat more calories if I want. The 1200 program doesn't allow me to eat many fat foods but I can have a full breakfast and lunch and then a light dinner, plus fruits in between. So, I guess it's not that bad, right?

try a month...or longer...4 days...I agree it isn't hard especially when you are on your willpower...

albayin

But seriously, 2 year olds need 1,000-1,400 calories a day. I think a fully grown adult needs more food than a toddler in order to function.

Not really a good comparison. A 2 year old has a lot of growing to do and is constantly burning calories. Most of us here are trying to shrink.

I pretty well need to stick to the 1200 calorie limit as a base or I will gain weight. Maybe I am not that typical as I am older and cannot exercise much.

I do agree that less than 1200 is probably too low, although there are some very small people that might get along on less.

I am speaking only as a base, exercise calories and daily activity need to be figured on a case by case basis.

I think the question is why 1200, not 1190 or 1230?

RUNNING_AMOK_1958

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sophia-herbst/1200-calories_b_4816597.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000046

Best thing I've ever read about it.

SoulOfRusalka

And then there's the fact that people here act like it's always exactly1200. For everyone. A 6' man can eat 1200 calories even if it's not *advisable*, but if you're a 5' woman and you eat 1000 you're going to DIE OF MALNUTRITION RIGHT NOW BUT ALSO GET FAT BECAUSE YOUR BODY WILL GO INTO STARVATION MODE.
I think it's all sort of personal and you just need to figure out what works for yourself and your body. The numbers are guidelines, but everyone's different and you have to do what feels best.

mactaffy84

[/quote]

I think the question is why 1200, not 1190 or 1230?
[/quote]

Thank you. A voice of reason. Just wondering here, people, not advocating anything. Some people can be a bunch of vultures. Read the,post as is, not putting your value system on it (of course, assuming one is open-minded enough to do that).

Faye_Anderson

I think the question is why 1200, not 1190 or 1230?

Thank you. A voice of reason. Just wondering here, people, not advocating anything. Some people can be a bunch of vultures. Read the,post as is, not putting your value system on it (of course, assuming one is open-minded enough to do that).

The title is 1200 calorie "myth", it could have been worded better for your query :flowerforyou:

kjo9692

And then there's the fact that people here act like it's always exactly1200. For everyone. A 6' man can eat 1200 calories even if it's not *advisable*, but if you're a 5' woman and you eat 1000 you're going to DIE OF MALNUTRITION RIGHT NOW BUT ALSO GET FAT BECAUSE YOUR BODY WILL GO INTO STARVATION MODE.
I think it's all sort of personal and you just need to figure out what works for yourself and your body. The numbers are guidelines, but everyone's different and you have to do what feels best.

NOPE NOPE NOPE

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/761810-the-starvation-mode-myth-again

She won't get fat, she'll get skinny BUT she can also die because that's way too low to get enough nutrients into her body.

scottkjar

Does anyone really know where the "you have to eat 1200 calories a day or you are going to seriously harm yourself" come from?

I thought OP was asking about scientific sources that show 1200 as the minimum threshhold. Lots of people are jumping in on the "debate," some are reporting this to moderators, but no one has cited a study or journal article.

Is there a scientific basis for this number? Or is this just bro-science? I'd like to know, since the 1200 figure is thrown around a lot on this site.

gypsy_spirit

Then I believe you have received the answer to your question. Since you've been here almost 2 years, I'm pretty sure you knew exactly what you would get when you posted this. If you don't want ALL the answers/opinions/facts - then just post this to your newsfeed and let your friends answer for you.

tigersword

Does anyone really know where the "you have to eat 1200 calories a day or you are going to seriously harm yourself" come from? Because if you look at the RDA requirement for nutrients, and look at the caloric value for each, then it comes out to about 800 calories for women and about 900 calories for men. So even according to the RDA, you can eat well below 1200 calories and get your nutritional needs. That it is, of course, if you think the RDAs are valid. They are set by the Institute of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences.

No being snarky here, I'm not suggesting everyone do this. People need to figure out for themselves what works. I just wonder why everyone screams that you MUST get 1200 calories a day or you are doing serious harm. Not necessarily.

Huh? Where are you getting your DRIs from? Considering there isn't a stated DRI for fat, only percentage of calories, it would be impossible to calculate just using the DRI. Besides, Carbs = 520 calories just on its own, before you even factor in fat and protein.

DRI are done based on body weight. You can't make blanket statements based on them.

tigersword

Does anyone really know where the "you have to eat 1200 calories a day or you are going to seriously harm yourself" come from?

I thought OP was asking about scientific sources that show 1200 as the minimum threshhold. Lots of people are jumping in on the "debate," some are reporting this to moderators, but no one has cited a study or journal article.

Is there a scientific basis for this number? Or is this just bro-science? I'd like to know, since the 1200 figure is thrown around a lot on this site.

It's the recommendation for women by the World Health Organization. 1500 is the minimum for men. The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) recommends a minimum of 1200 for women, and 1800 for men.

Junebuggyzy

Since I am relatively new to MyFitnessPal, I thought that the 1200 calories suggested was personalized for me, taking into account my height, activity level, and weight? So am I to understand that 1200 is the suggest calories for everyone?

gypsy_spirit

Since I am relatively new to MyFitnessPal, I thought that the 1200 calories suggested was personalized for me, taking into account my height, activity level, and weight? So am I to understand that 1200 is the suggest calories for everyone?

No. On MFP they use the information you input to calculate your calorie goal. However, MFP will not give anyone a calorie goal below 1200 - no matter how much you say you want to lose a week - because that is the recommended minimum, as stated above.

Ann1334

This is an interesting topic i also wonder where the 1200 calories intake comes from. However base on my personal experience if I consume less than 1200 or even that figure and work out as well, my body feels very weak, my head and eyes hurt like hell. so I have to consume a little more to be active and well to do my work out. I guess for some persons like myself I need the 1200 calories anything less is suicide.

Maybe we can do our own assessment and see the outcome then tell us what it is.........

Junebuggyzy

Running Amok, that article http:///www.huffingtonpost.com/sophia-herbst/1200-calories_b_4816597.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000046 IS really good! Thanks for posting the link.

SoulOfRusalka

And then there's the fact that people here act like it's always exactly1200. For everyone. A 6' man can eat 1200 calories even if it's not *advisable*, but if you're a 5' woman and you eat 1000 you're going to DIE OF MALNUTRITION RIGHT NOW BUT ALSO GET FAT BECAUSE YOUR BODY WILL GO INTO STARVATION MODE.
I think it's all sort of personal and you just need to figure out what works for yourself and your body. The numbers are guidelines, but everyone's different and you have to do what feels best.

NOPE NOPE NOPE

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/761810-the-starvation-mode-myth-again

She won't get fat, she'll get skinny BUT she can also die because that's way too low to get enough nutrients into her body.

Yeah, I know. I was saying that people on here tend to throw around the "starvation mode" thing a lot. Thanks for the link

gypsy_spirit

And then there's the fact that people here act like it's always exactly1200. For everyone. A 6' man can eat 1200 calories even if it's not *advisable*, but if you're a 5' woman and you eat 1000 you're going to DIE OF MALNUTRITION RIGHT NOW BUT ALSO GET FAT BECAUSE YOUR BODY WILL GO INTO STARVATION MODE.
I think it's all sort of personal and you just need to figure out what works for yourself and your body. The numbers are guidelines, but everyone's different and you have to do what feels best.

You're 19 years old. You should be eating to fuel your body - not to do what feels best. Read this link - I really hope it will help you to understand what you can do to get the healthy body you want.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1175494-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

Papaepic

I believe RDA was developed in the 1950, pre WW2 as a rationing minimum for a 120 lb female. Which, to me means you can survive (probably short term) on 1200, but can't LIVE an 1200. I'll have to research to be sure though.