1200 calorie minimum

sophiajackson99

I've always heard about the 1200 calorie minimum and "going into starvation mode". With my focus on losing weight, I interpreted this to mean that my metabolism would slow down and I wouldn't lose weight as quickly. But I never thought about it in terms of body health. I know the body keeps reserves of glucose on hand, so I don't think one day fasts create any health problems (some would say that increase health actually by giving the digestive system a break). But I did like thinking about nourishing my body in this way. What do you all think of this post that I found on another website?


"It is recommended to never go below 1200 calories if you are a female, because your body will go into starvation mode and it is possible that you might gain weight, besides doing serious damage to your body. (1500 calories if you are male).

Your body needs 1200 calories per day to survive (credit to Saroful).

-The heart needs 12% of the calories (144 cals)
-The kidney needs 12% of the calories (144 cals)
-The Liver needs 23% of the calories (276 cals)
-The brain needs 23% of the calories (276 cals)
-The skeletal muscle needs 30% of the calories (360 cals) "

cem2168

I have heard that yes, your body will go into starvation mode if you go below 1200 cals, however, I did a strict protein diet this summer and was only able to eat 500-700 cals a day (miserable. I do not recommend it at all, even though it was monitored by doctors) They said that your body actually goes into starvation mode below 500 cals instead of 1200. However, I was unhappy, hungry, sick, tired you name it! For healthy function...I would stay up around 1200, especially if you exercise.

blessedmomof8

Thanks for the info, very interesting. I hope you don't mind I am going to share with my pals.

SiltyPigeon

I believe this to be true for people who don't have a supply of fat and nutrients packed away in their gut (and thighs, and waist, and everywhere else). I don't believe it to be true for overweight people (like me). I have plenty of my own calories stored up to burn.

For the past 2 months (UNDER THE CARE OF A DOCTOR) I have survived JUST FINE on a an average of 900 calories per day. Most days I log around 600-700 calories. Do I think you or everyone should do this? NO. Talk to a doctor. My point, really, is that I have suffered NO negative consequences because of my "diet". I have just as much energy as I always did, maybe even more. My doctor says that I am fine. None of my organs have shut down. The only difference to note is that I am 21 pounds lighter.

Will I do this always and forever? No. Once I reach a healthy weight I will start maintenance.

And for everyone who is going to say "That's unhealthy! Blah blah blah...."

#1) I am under the care of a doctor.
#2) Being overweight is unhealthy.
#3) I would rather be "unhealthy, a healthy weight, and happy" than "unhealthy, overweight, and unhappy".
#4) This was not advice. It was only my opinion to the question asked.