What are your thoughts on this bodyrecomp article?

wllwsmmr

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/why-big-caloric-deficits-and-lots-of-activity-can-hurt-fat-loss.html

What are your thoughts on this?
Is it really true for the majority of people? Does it apply only to fat loss, or to weight loss too? If so, doesn't it refute that weight loss is simply about calories in vs calories out?

Thanks

FoodandFitness

There's so much to comment on. I'll try and be brief though.

If you look at observational case studies, such as prisoners of war, who are starved and forced to do slave labor, they all lose lots of weight.
Look at medical observed case studies such as Medifast or Bariatric surgery where the individuals are on a very low calorie diet and still lose weight.

Then you look at people who "claim" to be exercising a ton and eating minimal calories. But they don't lose weight.

Hmmm.....

I think there is some truth to that article, but the type of exercise is important. I think that sustained low intensity cardio (endurance training) is the least optimal way to lose fat when compared to lifting or interval training. When someone over exercises, it tends to be low intensity aerobic training.

Huge deficits tend to lead to binges. Binges may not be reported or noticed by individuals doing self reported calorie intakes because of the shame surrounding it.

I'll just say that I've never had anyone NOT lose weight when they maintained a calorie deficit. Even if the deficit seems to be extreme. it's usually in the clients that aren't super accurate in measuring their foods and recording.

That being said, I'm more of a fan of moderate deficits and lifestyle changes as opposed to extreme deficits and short term solutions.

Also as a bonus, here's an ad hominem jab at Lyle McDonald- Some of his diet methods, keto, etc. dance on the fringe of "fad" diets in my humble opinion. Also, Lyle himself is a grade A *kitten*. Just my 2 cents on that.

wllwsmmr

His theory kinda doesn't make sense if you look at anorexics who try to eat as little as possible and move as much as possible and still continue to lose weight, and thus have a pretty low body fat level, even if not at athlete body fat level, right?

I've been there, eating 500cals or less per day, walking A LOT, and working out pretty intensely for at least one hour, and I'd lose, to a certain point, then I'd find it hard to lose. And then I either eat a little more or workout lesser (by accident and not on purpose) and I find myself losing a few more kgs again. So does this justify his theory? I kind of believe what he says because that happened to me! I also tend to overestimate my calorie intake a little and underestimate my calories burned so even if there were inaccuraries they shouldnt be too great. I also ate mostly raw non-processed food so the discrepancies shouldnt be too great either. I do acknowledge that my mentality fits that of 'i must lose weight now' so could it be cortisol's fault? Note: I was in my teens!

Or does it vary for different people?

Again I know there is not much substantial evidence nor studies done to prove this, so I'd just like to ask for your opinions and analysis, thank you!

FoodandFitness

Have you had your thyroid checked?

I can't advocate eating only 500 cals per day and exercising that much.

What are your current stats?

wllwsmmr

Eating 500 calories was in the past when I was suffering with anorexia and bulimia I'm definitely eating way more right now!! Struggling with binge eating to be exact...

But anyways, I haven't had my thyroid checked, but am pretty sure it's fine because I started losing again when I increased my calories from 500 and/or worked out less?

FoodandFitness

Do you notice yourself binging less now that you've increased your calorie allotment more?