dizziness during dieting

ironmanwannabe
ironmanwannabe Posts: 81 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hoping someone can shed some light on a problem I have been having. Started on this program again 3 weeks ago. Whenever I stand up whether quickly or slowly I get very dizzy for a few seconds. I hang onto something until it passes. No other symptoms than that. Anyone else experiencing this type of issue? Thanks!

Replies

  • FlynnMacCallister
    FlynnMacCallister Posts: 172 Member
    If you have cut your calorie intake very sharply, your body might be having trouble keeping your blood glucose up... but it seems odd that you've been having this problem for three weeks if that's the case. You might have underestimated the number of calories you actually need just to get through the day, and need to be eating a little more, or just a little more often. If that doesn't help, you really should see your doctor.
  • susannamarie
    susannamarie Posts: 2,148 Member
    I would discuss it with your physician ... although the blood sugar may be correct, especially if there are times of the day when it's worse.
  • Lozze
    Lozze Posts: 1,917 Member
    You've lost 28lbs in three weeks?
  • d_89
    d_89 Posts: 30 Member
    I suggest that you see a doctor just to ensure that everything is ok with you. It may or may not be diet related, but you'll never know until you have it properly investigated. You don't want to eventually end up passing out and hurting yourself.
  • ironmanwannabe
    ironmanwannabe Posts: 81 Member
    Thanks for all the responses! I did not lose 28 in 3 weeks. This has been a 2 year event for me. I was laid off 2 years ago and started attending a networking meeting 7 miles from home. I started biking there, joined a local bike club, signed up for a triathlon (sprint), ran a half marathon, etc. Got my *kitten* together and started taking care of my health. During that time I went from almost 200 to around 175. I ideally wanted to get down to 165 so I started using this app 3 weeks ago. Hope that made sense.
  • bellefille
    bellefille Posts: 50 Member
    Hoping someone can shed some light on a problem I have been having. Started on this program again 3 weeks ago. Whenever I stand up whether quickly or slowly I get very dizzy for a few seconds. I hang onto something until it passes. No other symptoms than that. Anyone else experiencing this type of issue? Thanks!

    What you are experiencing is called postural hypotension. I would really advice that you check in with your doctor. It may be mild due to something as simple as dehydration, and not really require treatment, but it is definitely something that needs to be checked out particularly since it is something new for you. I tend to get the same problem, but mine is due to anemia so for me it is a signal that I need to up my iron intake.
  • ladyraven68
    ladyraven68 Posts: 2,003 Member
    Hoping someone can shed some light on a problem I have been having. Started on this program again 3 weeks ago. Whenever I stand up whether quickly or slowly I get very dizzy for a few seconds. I hang onto something until it passes. No other symptoms than that. Anyone else experiencing this type of issue? Thanks!

    I was getting dizzy and lightheaded quite often when I first started MFP.

    After researching my BMR, TDEE etc, I realised that 1200 calories wasn't enough for me.

    I am now losing on 1600 a day and feeling great.

    It may be worth you checking your BMR and TDEE against your current calorie intake.

    Good luck - I know it isn't a pleasant feeling. :)
  • TundraTed
    TundraTed Posts: 254 Member
    Do you take Blood Pressure meds? I was having issues even with my calorie intakes where they should be for slight weight loss. It was because my blood pressure meds were to strong. Now that they have been lowered I feel much better all the time and my BP is still low.

    Edited for spelling.
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    You dont eat enough to lose weight correctly.
    You are burning away lean mass as well as some fat.
    At some point your body will say "Screw this!!!" and hold on to as much fat as possible.
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    You aren't eating enough or drinking enough water probably.
  • FatDadSlim
    FatDadSlim Posts: 497 Member
    I get this although it is not a daily occurrence, it can happen when my calorie intake is particularly low. Increase your cals and it should go away, either way as recommended i would speak to a doctor as well.

    Note to self;
    **should practise what i preach**
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    It could low blood sugar, or it could be low blood sodium. A lot of MFP members cut sodium and guzzle water. Too much plain water and not enough sodium can cause low blood sodium, which can cause dizziness. This can especially be true if you take a diuretic for BP or exercise and sweat a lot.
  • TourThePast
    TourThePast Posts: 1,753 Member
    I suggest that you see a doctor just to ensure that everything is ok with you. It may or may not be diet related, but you'll never know until you have it properly investigated. You don't want to eventually end up passing out and hurting yourself.
    This.

    It sounds to me as if it's likely to be low blood pressure when you stand, which could have many causes, but I'm not a medical professional, and if I was I certainly wouldn't even be hazarding that guess as it would be unprofessional of me.

    Ignore the people telling you you're not eating enough or giving you other advice and go see your doc for a checkup.
  • kealambert
    kealambert Posts: 961 Member
    it sounds like you're fasting, not dieting

    and of course, dieting is not the concept, it's readjusting a permanent eating/workout lifestyle
  • lrkidd
    lrkidd Posts: 74 Member
    I had the same problem and it turned out to not be my diet at all. I had a thyroid condition that I did not know I had. Go to the doc. just to be safe. I read a study that says most times dizziness is not a cause for alarm but should be checked out.
  • ironmanwannabe
    ironmanwannabe Posts: 81 Member
    Wow, this is a supportive group :)

    Since this started when I began restricting my diet, I am going to increase my calories and see if it is still an issue.

    I am a 45 year old male, weighting (now) at 169, no high blood pressure (my resting rate when lying down is 49ish). I work at a desk all day and exercise about 5 times a week. The workouts are fairly intense (running: anywhere from 30 mins to 1.5 hrs, avg HR in the 160s, swimming 45min to 1hr, avg HR 130s to 140s, and biking 45 to 75 mins, avg HR 140s to 150s.) I do not adjust my calorie intake when I do exercise. I am taking in 1600/day, attempting to lose 2lb/week.

    A good amount of my calories come from fruit. I also eat vegetables which I do not count since the calories are relatively low and they are somewhat filling (not satisfying)...

    In a week I am going back to 2600/day for a week (prior to my marathon). I dont want to take any chances of being low on food/energy for this run.

    If I continue to feel this way after going back to 2600 calories, I will make an appt with my Dr...
  • kealambert
    kealambert Posts: 961 Member
    I also forgot, do you feel you get enough fibre to keep you full and fueled?

    When I go a whole day with low fibre, I tend to have low blood sugar moments where I need to eat something, vs being able to make it to my next meal or snack no problem.

Categories