1200, and why it won't work
Replies
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I'm sure the original poster posted this with good intention, but it is medical advice and people should be seeing actual nutritionists and doctors. I don't understand why, when people post other medical questions in MFP, members are quick to urge them to get to a doctor. However, when calculating your daily nutritional needs, people are gobbling up the info of someone who, "obtained [a] NASM personal training certification, which was a breeze." What? That's as dull as merely following MFP's recommendations without question. This fellow took a thirty minute exam after a few months of studying. Most medical doctors only have mere hours of nutritional training and that's still significant compared to what he has. The mythical "Monica" could have had a thyroid disorder or, like I have, PCOS. These things alter your metabolisms so significantly that you need someone truly skilled in helping you find the right balance. You might even, as I have had to do, have to see internists as well.
If you're obese and looking for answers here, please stop. No, don't start at 1200. Don't start at 3000. Don't start without tests for diabetes, PCOS, Insulin Resistance, etc. "Monica" was rather lucky in this scenario, but it's hardly a case study; if you are obese or morbidly obese, there is a chance underlying conditions are helping you stay that way. You're going to feel better having medical clearance anyway when you want to begin exercise. For example, he had a six week period of Monica not loosing. Eventually she did again. We don't know how her diet's composition change. Did she alter carbs/fats/etc? Did she begin drinking more water? Taking supplements? How many people think 1200 isn't working and push on for six weeks without result? Not many. Yes, Monica seems to have had a decent amount of will power and a load of blind faith, but she could have very well had the same stall and restart at 1200, 1400, 1600, or 2000 calories. There are just too many factors to consider. She could have had more plateaus than he could have accounted for; what then?
Two things I find wrong about this kind of hostility:
1. I am a bio major. went through 2 years of med school, took all the orgo, chem, biochem, and associated classes, before deciding that 8 more years of school would put me into too much debt. for all educational purposes, I'm a doctor.
2. most doctors are contact of last resort. you don't see a doctor while you are gaining weight, you see them when you've gained too much weight that it threatens your health. most doctors will tell you to eat less. they have NO idea about the current studies and literature pertaining to human weight loss, performance nutrition, and optimal disease prevention....that is unless they keep up with peer reviewed studies. If they do...it's in the area of disease correction, instead of prevention. Although all doctors have fundamental knowledge of how to prevent disease, not all of them update their knowledge profiles bi monthly.
3. I exist in some grey space, outside of personal trainers who charge money, and oustide of doctors who know nothing about being "beach-ready". I exist to help. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you take it elsewhere.
Actually, as you pointed out, you are eight years of school away from being a doctor. A lot of stuff happens in eight years of education; I've learned that working on my own doctorate.
Doctor's don't and shouldn't have to be a last resort. I don't even get where you're saying that people don't see doctors while they are gaining weight. If people aren't getting regular physicals there are a lot of health problems they could be overlooking aside from obesity. Encouraging them to use you as a substitute isn't helping anyone. I'm also not sure your critical thinking skills are up to par. I clearly already outlined that people should see specialists in nutrition and internal medicine. I said myself that most doctors undergo only hours of nutritional training--but still they are more licensed and trained than you. That's a fact. Certainly a nutritionist would put you to shame.
And finally, you did not seriously just champion yourself for your knowledge of "beach ready" bodies? Yeah, I don't think a lot of doctors are marketing that...you know...because a beach ready body isn't the main indicator of health.
If you can't see the informative nature of my original response, where I even gave you the courtesy of saying you had good intentions, you're really off. This is a forum; it's a place of discussion. You have no need to be threatened. You seriously don't want obese and morbidly obese people to have a reminder to seek medical help, to find out if they have any underlying medical problems before jumping in to a diet? That's just negligence.
First of all a "nutritionist" is just a glorified personal trainer. They, at best retain the knowledge of their textbooks, with some or little further following of the continued science in the field. And admittedly that's enough to address 99% of the issues we are facing in this overweight culture.
So, no. A nutritionist will never put me to shame. They can only tell me what substrate metabolism aught to do. They will never be able to cater it to specific cases. They cannot cater profiles according to nutrient partitioning. They will not grant ideas on acetyle-COA pathways given substrate quality. Any undergrad bio major destroys all nutritionists by a mile. Once you cut into the cadavers in M2? Well you get the idea.
The original post was to alert people to the danger of eating 1200 calories a day. You recommend to consult a doctor based on my more MODEST, and SAFE recommendation of finding a better baseline? Absurd. Most doctors will tell you that eating 1200 calories a day is insane.
So...was it just a ploy to undermine my understanding of the subject, or did I really strike a personal chord? If so, I apologize, and let that be that.
But what about a nutritionist who gets a B.S. in bio undergrad degree and then pursues an MS/PHD in Nutrition
LOL I'm just messing. I totally agree with you. I'm getting a B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry and currently trying to figure out if I want to pursue a MS in Chemistry and then a Ph.D in nutrition, or a Ph.D in Chemistry....
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Brilliantly stated! Nice read and very true.0
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I'm sure the original poster posted this with good intention, but it is medical advice and people should be seeing actual nutritionists and doctors. I don't understand why, when people post other medical questions in MFP, members are quick to urge them to get to a doctor. However, when calculating your daily nutritional needs, people are gobbling up the info of someone who, "obtained [a] NASM personal training certification, which was a breeze." What? That's as dull as merely following MFP's recommendations without question. This fellow took a thirty minute exam after a few months of studying. Most medical doctors only have mere hours of nutritional training and that's still significant compared to what he has. The mythical "Monica" could have had a thyroid disorder or, like I have, PCOS. These things alter your metabolisms so significantly that you need someone truly skilled in helping you find the right balance. You might even, as I have had to do, have to see internists as well.
If you're obese and looking for answers here, please stop. No, don't start at 1200. Don't start at 3000. Don't start without tests for diabetes, PCOS, Insulin Resistance, etc. "Monica" was rather lucky in this scenario, but it's hardly a case study; if you are obese or morbidly obese, there is a chance underlying conditions are helping you stay that way. You're going to feel better having medical clearance anyway when you want to begin exercise. For example, he had a six week period of Monica not loosing. Eventually she did again. We don't know how her diet's composition change. Did she alter carbs/fats/etc? Did she begin drinking more water? Taking supplements? How many people think 1200 isn't working and push on for six weeks without result? Not many. Yes, Monica seems to have had a decent amount of will power and a load of blind faith, but she could have very well had the same stall and restart at 1200, 1400, 1600, or 2000 calories. There are just too many factors to consider. She could have had more plateaus than he could have accounted for; what then?
Two things I find wrong about this kind of hostility:
1. I am a bio major. went through 2 years of med school, took all the orgo, chem, biochem, and associated classes, before deciding that 8 more years of school would put me into too much debt. for all educational purposes, I'm a doctor.
2. most doctors are contact of last resort. you don't see a doctor while you are gaining weight, you see them when you've gained too much weight that it threatens your health. most doctors will tell you to eat less. they have NO idea about the current studies and literature pertaining to human weight loss, performance nutrition, and optimal disease prevention....that is unless they keep up with peer reviewed studies. If they do...it's in the area of disease correction, instead of prevention. Although all doctors have fundamental knowledge of how to prevent disease, not all of them update their knowledge profiles bi monthly.
3. I exist in some grey space, outside of personal trainers who charge money, and oustide of doctors who know nothing about being "beach-ready". I exist to help. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you take it elsewhere.
Actually, as you pointed out, you are eight years of school away from being a doctor. A lot of stuff happens in eight years of education; I've learned that working on my own doctorate.
Doctor's don't and shouldn't have to be a last resort. I don't even get where you're saying that people don't see doctors while they are gaining weight. If people aren't getting regular physicals there are a lot of health problems they could be overlooking aside from obesity. Encouraging them to use you as a substitute isn't helping anyone. I'm also not sure your critical thinking skills are up to par. I clearly already outlined that people should see specialists in nutrition and internal medicine. I said myself that most doctors undergo only hours of nutritional training--but still they are more licensed and trained than you. That's a fact. Certainly a nutritionist would put you to shame.
And finally, you did not seriously just champion yourself for your knowledge of "beach ready" bodies? Yeah, I don't think a lot of doctors are marketing that...you know...because a beach ready body isn't the main indicator of health.
If you can't see the informative nature of my original response, where I even gave you the courtesy of saying you had good intentions, you're really off. This is a forum; it's a place of discussion. You have no need to be threatened. You seriously don't want obese and morbidly obese people to have a reminder to seek medical help, to find out if they have any underlying medical problems before jumping in to a diet? That's just negligence.
First of all a "nutritionist" is just a glorified personal trainer. They, at best retain the knowledge of their textbooks, with some or little further following of the continued science in the field. And admittedly that's enough to address 99% of the issues we are facing in this overweight culture.
So, no. A nutritionist will never put me to shame. They can only tell me what substrate metabolism aught to do. They will never be able to cater it to specific cases. They cannot cater profiles according to nutrient partitioning. They will not grant ideas on acetyle-COA pathways given substrate quality. Any undergrad bio major destroys all nutritionists by a mile. Once you cut into the cadavers in M2? Well you get the idea.
The original post was to alert people to the danger of eating 1200 calories a day. You recommend to consult a doctor based on my more MODEST, and SAFE recommendation of finding a better baseline? Absurd. Most doctors will tell you that eating 1200 calories a day is insane.
So...was it just a ploy to undermine my understanding of the subject, or did I really strike a personal chord? If so, I apologize, and let that be that.
Dude, don't flatter yourself. I'm just worried someone is going to listen to you and miss a serious medical condition. You think a nutritionist and people with medical degrees are over-glorified trainers? That's weird given that they have the ability to order tests and blood work ups and...you don't. You should really write a book-- "Lose Eight Pounds in Six Weeks" and see how that sells. I cannot fathom the ego you have to be so sure you're the best option. Absolute joke.0 -
I won't flatter anything! I didnt say ppl with med degrees are glorified PTs! I said...and i quote:
"nutritionists are basically glorified PTs". you can hold the title of nutritionist without having a degree in anything! That's so wrong..but it's so true.0 -
Bump...0
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I'm sure the original poster posted this with good intention, but it is medical advice and people should be seeing actual nutritionists and doctors. I don't understand why, when people post other medical questions in MFP, members are quick to urge them to get to a doctor. However, when calculating your daily nutritional needs, people are gobbling up the info of someone who, "obtained [a] NASM personal training certification, which was a breeze." What? That's as dull as merely following MFP's recommendations without question. This fellow took a thirty minute exam after a few months of studying. Most medical doctors only have mere hours of nutritional training and that's still significant compared to what he has. The mythical "Monica" could have had a thyroid disorder or, like I have, PCOS. These things alter your metabolisms so significantly that you need someone truly skilled in helping you find the right balance. You might even, as I have had to do, have to see internists as well.
If you're obese and looking for answers here, please stop. No, don't start at 1200. Don't start at 3000. Don't start without tests for diabetes, PCOS, Insulin Resistance, etc. "Monica" was rather lucky in this scenario, but it's hardly a case study; if you are obese or morbidly obese, there is a chance underlying conditions are helping you stay that way. You're going to feel better having medical clearance anyway when you want to begin exercise. For example, he had a six week period of Monica not loosing. Eventually she did again. We don't know how her diet's composition change. Did she alter carbs/fats/etc? Did she begin drinking more water? Taking supplements? How many people think 1200 isn't working and push on for six weeks without result? Not many. Yes, Monica seems to have had a decent amount of will power and a load of blind faith, but she could have very well had the same stall and restart at 1200, 1400, 1600, or 2000 calories. There are just too many factors to consider. She could have had more plateaus than he could have accounted for; what then?
Two things I find wrong about this kind of hostility:
1. I am a bio major. went through 2 years of med school, took all the orgo, chem, biochem, and associated classes, before deciding that 8 more years of school would put me into too much debt. for all educational purposes, I'm a doctor.
2. most doctors are contact of last resort. you don't see a doctor while you are gaining weight, you see them when you've gained too much weight that it threatens your health. most doctors will tell you to eat less. they have NO idea about the current studies and literature pertaining to human weight loss, performance nutrition, and optimal disease prevention....that is unless they keep up with peer reviewed studies. If they do...it's in the area of disease correction, instead of prevention. Although all doctors have fundamental knowledge of how to prevent disease, not all of them update their knowledge profiles bi monthly.
3. I exist in some grey space, outside of personal trainers who charge money, and oustide of doctors who know nothing about being "beach-ready". I exist to help. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you take it elsewhere.
Actually, as you pointed out, you are eight years of school away from being a doctor. A lot of stuff happens in eight years of education; I've learned that working on my own doctorate.
Doctor's don't and shouldn't have to be a last resort. I don't even get where you're saying that people don't see doctors while they are gaining weight. If people aren't getting regular physicals there are a lot of health problems they could be overlooking aside from obesity. Encouraging them to use you as a substitute isn't helping anyone. I'm also not sure your critical thinking skills are up to par. I clearly already outlined that people should see specialists in nutrition and internal medicine. I said myself that most doctors undergo only hours of nutritional training--but still they are more licensed and trained than you. That's a fact. Certainly a nutritionist would put you to shame.
And finally, you did not seriously just champion yourself for your knowledge of "beach ready" bodies? Yeah, I don't think a lot of doctors are marketing that...you know...because a beach ready body isn't the main indicator of health.
If you can't see the informative nature of my original response, where I even gave you the courtesy of saying you had good intentions, you're really off. This is a forum; it's a place of discussion. You have no need to be threatened. You seriously don't want obese and morbidly obese people to have a reminder to seek medical help, to find out if they have any underlying medical problems before jumping in to a diet? That's just negligence.
First of all a "nutritionist" is just a glorified personal trainer. They, at best retain the knowledge of their textbooks, with some or little further following of the continued science in the field. And admittedly that's enough to address 99% of the issues we are facing in this overweight culture.
So, no. A nutritionist will never put me to shame. They can only tell me what substrate metabolism aught to do. They will never be able to cater it to specific cases. They cannot cater profiles according to nutrient partitioning. They will not grant ideas on acetyle-COA pathways given substrate quality. Any undergrad bio major destroys all nutritionists by a mile. Once you cut into the cadavers in M2? Well you get the idea.
The original post was to alert people to the danger of eating 1200 calories a day. You recommend to consult a doctor based on my more MODEST, and SAFE recommendation of finding a better baseline? Absurd. Most doctors will tell you that eating 1200 calories a day is insane.
So...was it just a ploy to undermine my understanding of the subject, or did I really strike a personal chord? If so, I apologize, and let that be that.
But what about a nutritionist who gets a B.S. in bio undergrad degree and then pursues an MS/PHD in Nutrition
LOL I'm just messing. I totally agree with you. I'm getting a B.S. in Chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry and currently trying to figure out if I want to pursue a MS in Chemistry and then a Ph.D in nutrition, or a Ph.D in Chemistry....
Trust me, the PHD in Chem is going to be way more worth your while. You get the credibility of Chem and that's basically an umbrella degree for:
"you know your ****"0 -
I wish I could understand how some people survive on 1200 a day. This was an excellent read. Thank you for posting!0
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To lighten the mood... Hip-thrusting cats!
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Chiming in...
The OP's advice is sound. While is is long drawn out and does have a somewhat sense of flattering his self and his knowledge, it is still correct.
People arguing against him have honestly fielded the most absurd arguments I have heard here.
Suggesting that EVERYONE that EVER wants to lose ANY weight should be medically checked out first is absolutely ridiculous. It is the silliest piece of nonsense I have ever heard on MFP.
Arguing that since he lacks a specific degree in a related field does nothing. One does not need to be given a degree in order for one to know what they are talking about. Most people on MFP do not have mathematics degrees but still can claim to know how to add simple integers.
The TL;DR version of the OP's message:
Do not immediately go for the lowest possible calories you can. Ease your way into a sustainable caloric level that still achieves your weight loss goals.
I seriously cannot figure out how or why anyone would argue against this fine idea.0 -
Chiming in...
The OP's advice is sound. While is is long drawn out and does have a somewhat sense of flattering his self and his knowledge, it is still correct.
People arguing against him have honestly fielded the most absurd arguments I have heard here.
Suggesting that EVERYONE that EVER wants to lose ANY weight should be medically checked out first is absolutely ridiculous. It is the silliest piece of nonsense I have ever heard on MFP.
Arguing that since he lacks a specific degree in a related field does nothing. One does not need to be given a degree in order for one to know what they are talking about. Most people on MFP do not have mathematics degrees but still can claim to know how to add simple integers.
The TL;DR version of the OP's message:
Do not immediately go for the lowest possible calories you can. Ease your way into a sustainable caloric level that still achieves your weight loss goals.
I seriously cannot figure out how or why anyone would argue against this fine idea.
It was very clear that I was addressing obese and morbidly obese individuals. And they should indeed seek medical consult.0 -
you can hold the title of nutritionist without having a degree in anything! That's so wrong..but it's so true.
This is 100% correct.
The qualifications for a "nutritionist" vary by state. Some states have absolutely no regulations on who can call themselves a nutritionist whatsoever, which is why going to see some arbitrary "nutritionist" expert can end up being a horrible idea. Now, if you're referring to licensed and registered dietitians, then that's another matter entirely. They have years of training and a certification program that must be completed in order to earn that title.
http://www.eatright.org/HealthProfessionals/content.aspx?id=6859#.UQDEOSfAd8E
Even then, trusting that they are 100% informed without doing your own homework is just purveyance of ignorance at its best.0 -
It was very clear that I was addressing obese and morbidly obese individuals. And they should indeed seek medical consult.
Wasn't clear at all.0 -
What harm do you see consuming slightly less food if someone is obese. Are you saying that obese people that don't have a Dr. or can't afford one shouldn't eat less, or take it upon themselves to lose weight, no I'm sure your not.Chiming in...
The OP's advice is sound. While is is long drawn out and does have a somewhat sense of flattering his self and his knowledge, it is still correct.
People arguing against him have honestly fielded the most absurd arguments I have heard here.
Suggesting that EVERYONE that EVER wants to lose ANY weight should be medically checked out first is absolutely ridiculous. It is the silliest piece of nonsense I have ever heard on MFP.
Arguing that since he lacks a specific degree in a related field does nothing. One does not need to be given a degree in order for one to know what they are talking about. Most people on MFP do not have mathematics degrees but still can claim to know how to add simple integers.
The TL;DR version of the OP's message:
Do not immediately go for the lowest possible calories you can. Ease your way into a sustainable caloric level that still achieves your weight loss goals.
I seriously cannot figure out how or why anyone would argue against this fine idea.
It was very clear that I was addressing obese and morbidly obese individuals. And they should indeed seek medical consult.0 -
Bump0
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It was very clear that I was addressing obese and morbidly obese individuals. And they should indeed seek medical consult.
Wasn't clear at all.
Seriously, did you not read the following line: "If you're obese and looking for answers here, please stop..." Does that not highlight the target audience enough for you? It is absolutely astounding that you are both so unsupportive of obese and morbidly obese folks seeking medical consult...and resistent to seeing how it might be even slightly more informed than an internet forum.
To the other poster who inquired if I'm against obese people eating less--sheesh--clearly not the objective of my statement. However, if you are looking to lose 100, 150, 200, or more pounds--yes, you're going to want blood work done regularly and additional testing to check for underlying problems. It's just the smart thing. I'm done here. There was nothing remotely threatening in my advice.0 -
Thank you for the great info in this post! I have recently found this to be true. I hit a plateau for about 2-3 weeks. I was ending my days with about 200 calories or so left. When I started eating more and having fewer (less than 100) calories left, I started losing again!
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Its not difficult if you fat your eating to much ! I hear alot said about I have this and that wrong with me. I am sure we all can say that.
Its about changing your lifestyle eat less and move more and the weight will come off. I understand a man should eat around 2500 calories per day and and women 2000 per day to maintain a healthy balance.
You need to reduce this by around 3000 calories per week to lose a 1lb of fat if you throw in some exercise walking is good and free I walk around an hour per day every day at a decent pace.
I was eating about 1700 calories per day to lose 2lb per week and now I eat around 2000 per day to lose a 1lb per week. I f I go for a long walk or run or referee a match. I add some treats in couple of beers and eat a little more.
This I would say will work for 99% of the populous.0 -
It was very clear that I was addressing obese and morbidly obese individuals. And they should indeed seek medical consult.
Wasn't clear at all.
Seriously, did you not read the following line: "If you're obese and looking for answers here, please stop..." Does that not highlight the target audience enough for you? It is absolutely astounding that you are both so unsupportive of obese and morbidly obese folks seeking medical consult...and resistent to seeing how it might be even slightly more informed than an internet forum.
To the other poster who inquired if I'm against obese people eating less--sheesh--clearly not the objective of my statement. However, if you are looking to lose 100, 150, 200, or more pounds--yes, you're going to want blood work done regularly and additional testing to check for underlying problems. It's just the smart thing. I'm done here. There was nothing remotely threatening in my advice.
I agree^^^^0 -
MFP should make people read this when they sign up! Nice Job!
THIS!!^^0 -
I am one of you...
...1200 calories a day is a paltry sniff of food. It's a dab of nutrients, and it's almost impossible to follow on a consistent (years) basis....
The number itself mocks you and makes you feel inadequate....You will live on...yes..but in misery.
well the thing is, you're not me.
You look like a rather muscular man, where as I am neither. When you turn into a 45 year old woman, then you'll be one of "me".
1200 calories a day probably is NOT enough for you, but its fine for me. I'm not starving. most days i'm not even hungry.
I woh't have to stay at 1200 calories for years, because I will get to my goal weight and eat more to maintain.
I'm not mocked, and I don't feel inadequate, and i'm not miserable.
perhaps you should change the thread title to end with "for me", since you can't stand there and tell me what's going to work for me.
agreed! its working great FOR ME, and now that ive learned many creative ways to make some pretty awesome low cal meals, there are days where im looking around my pantry for an easy 200 calories to add in before bed... ive been eating at 1200-1300 since september, and its working great FOR ME! when i get to goal, i will then slowly work my calories up to maintenance level, therefore, will not be eating at a defecit for life. this thing im doing, its mine, and im doing what works for ME...0 -
It was very clear that I was addressing obese and morbidly obese individuals. And they should indeed seek medical consult.
Wasn't clear at all.
Seriously, did you not read the following line: "If you're obese and looking for answers here, please stop..." Does that not highlight the target audience enough for you? It is absolutely astounding that you are both so unsupportive of obese and morbidly obese folks seeking medical consult...and resistent to seeing how it might be even slightly more informed than an internet forum.
To the other poster who inquired if I'm against obese people eating less--sheesh--clearly not the objective of my statement. However, if you are looking to lose 100, 150, 200, or more pounds--yes, you're going to want blood work done regularly and additional testing to check for underlying problems. It's just the smart thing. I'm done here. There was nothing remotely threatening in my advice.
i think your advice was very understandable. i went to my dr in late august, begged for diet pills, she refused, said lets do a full blood panel and physical and go from there. im in perfect health, perfect numbers, everything within normal rages... she actually reccomended that i eat 1200 calories for 2 weeks, and see how i feel, if its not enough for me, she said move it up 50 calories, and so on... but, she said when i find the number that works, stick with it, and come back in 90 days. i did it, 1200 worked fine, went back just this past month, and she was amazed at my progress. i think MD's are very trustworthy, especially ones you have known and trust.0 -
every single one of those 1200 calorie (or less) per day people need to read this...0
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every single one of those 1200 calorie (or less) per day people need to read this...
I read it, from start to finish, and while I think the the OP has good intentions, Im going to trust the plan that my Dr (of almost 10 years) and i came up with, that is working very well for MY BODY.0 -
bump0
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Thank you, this is a fabulous post.0
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The default 1200 calorie I won't get sued diet....just kidding.every single one of those 1200 calorie (or less) per day people need to read this...
I read it, from start to finish, and while I think the the OP has good intentions, Im going to trust the plan that my Dr (of almost 10 years) and i came up with, that is working very well for MY BODY. 0 -
I'm sure the original poster posted this with good intention, but it is medical advice and people should be seeing actual nutritionists and doctors. I don't understand why, when people post other medical questions in MFP, members are quick to urge them to get to a doctor. However, when calculating your daily nutritional needs, people are gobbling up the info of someone who, "obtained [a] NASM personal training certification, which was a breeze." What? That's as dull as merely following MFP's recommendations without question. This fellow took a thirty minute exam after a few months of studying. Most medical doctors only have mere hours of nutritional training and that's still significant compared to what he has. The mythical "Monica" could have had a thyroid disorder or, like I have, PCOS. These things alter your metabolisms so significantly that you need someone truly skilled in helping you find the right balance. You might even, as I have had to do, have to see internists as well.
If you're obese and looking for answers here, please stop. No, don't start at 1200. Don't start at 3000. Don't start without tests for diabetes, PCOS, Insulin Resistance, etc. "Monica" was rather lucky in this scenario, but it's hardly a case study; if you are obese or morbidly obese, there is a chance underlying conditions are helping you stay that way. You're going to feel better having medical clearance anyway when you want to begin exercise. For example, he had a six week period of Monica not loosing. Eventually she did again. We don't know how her diet's composition change. Did she alter carbs/fats/etc? Did she begin drinking more water? Taking supplements? How many people think 1200 isn't working and push on for six weeks without result? Not many. Yes, Monica seems to have had a decent amount of will power and a load of blind faith, but she could have very well had the same stall and restart at 1200, 1400, 1600, or 2000 calories. There are just too many factors to consider. She could have had more plateaus than he could have accounted for; what then?
Two things I find wrong about this kind of hostility:
1. I am a bio major. went through 2 years of med school, took all the orgo, chem, biochem, and associated classes, before deciding that 8 more years of school would put me into too much debt. for all educational purposes, I'm a doctor.
2. most doctors are contact of last resort. you don't see a doctor while you are gaining weight, you see them when you've gained too much weight that it threatens your health. most doctors will tell you to eat less. they have NO idea about the current studies and literature pertaining to human weight loss, performance nutrition, and optimal disease prevention....that is unless they keep up with peer reviewed studies. If they do...it's in the area of disease correction, instead of prevention. Although all doctors have fundamental knowledge of how to prevent disease, not all of them update their knowledge profiles bi monthly.
3. I exist in some grey space, outside of personal trainers who charge money, and oustide of doctors who know nothing about being "beach-ready". I exist to help. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you take it elsewhere.
Actually, as you pointed out, you are eight years of school away from being a doctor. A lot of stuff happens in eight years of education; I've learned that working on my own doctorate.
Doctor's don't and shouldn't have to be a last resort. I don't even get where you're saying that people don't see doctors while they are gaining weight. If people aren't getting regular physicals there are a lot of health problems they could be overlooking aside from obesity. Encouraging them to use you as a substitute isn't helping anyone. I'm also not sure your critical thinking skills are up to par. I clearly already outlined that people should see specialists in nutrition and internal medicine. I said myself that most doctors undergo only hours of nutritional training--but still they are more licensed and trained than you. That's a fact. Certainly a nutritionist would put you to shame.
And finally, you did not seriously just champion yourself for your knowledge of "beach ready" bodies? Yeah, I don't think a lot of doctors are marketing that...you know...because a beach ready body isn't the main indicator of health.
If you can't see the informative nature of my original response, where I even gave you the courtesy of saying you had good intentions, you're really off. This is a forum; it's a place of discussion. You have no need to be threatened. You seriously don't want obese and morbidly obese people to have a reminder to seek medical help, to find out if they have any underlying medical problems before jumping in to a diet? That's just negligence.
I was totally inspired when I read the post initially....then the defensive lashings with this.....
" I am a bio major. went through 2 years of med school, took all the orgo, chem, biochem, and associated classes, before deciding that 8 more years of school would put me into too much debt. for all educational purposes, I'm a doctor."...
....has made me pause for thought. I don't believe in people who exaggerate their own abilities or those who belittle others. If you know something...say it and be open to critique. Science is dynamic and knowledge is dynamic. ... weight is dynamic (he he).
I still think your post has some valid points but in a public forum any advice for certain individuals to seek the proper specialists can never be a bad thing. I know of several people who have sat on cancers thinking it is a weight issue rather than a medical issue. (as an anecdotal example)
Anyways I don't eat 1200 because I would binge after a few days with that level of restriction. So yes I thought you have some realistic points to assimilate nevertheless.0 -
Hmm, I read it beginning to end. I've been on 1200 calories for about 4 months not counting December (holidays). I've lost 34 pounds. I kept my one cheat meal a week to one cheat meal a week. I jog 5 days a week and I'm still going strong, so I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree.0
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My BMR is more like 1500!
Very important to work all your numbers out before you start or you're setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration!0 -
Hmm, I read it beginning to end. I've been on 1200 calories for about 4 months not counting December (holidays). I've lost 34 pounds. I kept my one cheat meal a week to one cheat meal a week. I jog 5 days a week and I'm still going strong, so I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree.
You can disagree, but may be wrong nonetheless.
If you jog 5x a week and log that you burn 500 calories, but only really burned 200-300 - then you're eating more than 1200. Also not all calories are created equally - there are empty ones and nutrient dense ones. There is a lot to take into account before you can agree or disagree. Best is keep an open mind in case you stall... However you seemed to figure what works for you, so awesome! Not everyone is as lucky apparently :P0
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