Calorie limits still correct for powered wheelchair user?

RichAndRobin
RichAndRobin Posts: 3 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all,

Just wondering if anybody has any knowledge that could help me on my weight loss journey.

I'm a 30 yr old male who has muscular dystrophy. My condition leaves me unable to walk with very limited power in my legs and weak upper body strength. I use a power wheelchair so my movement is very limited.

I currently weigh 254lbs and I am 5'7 tall. I'm 4 weeks into logging calories and for the first 4 weeks have stuck to 1200 calories. I have been visiting a hospital every 2 weeks to get weighed and in the first two weeks the scales shown a 6 pound loss. 2 weeks later it only shown a 1 pound loss so a little disappointed.

I have been exercising 3 times per week, 30 minutes on a hand cycle at a slow to moderate pace.

Most posts I see suggest 1200 is too low, MyFitnessPal has set my carlorie goal to 1570. A Google search brings up alsorts of different figures including a link to this forum which says the calorie goals on MyFitnessPal are set up for 'the average person' and do not take a lack of mobility into account.

Anybody else in a similar situation or have any advice?

Thanks all!

Lee

Replies

  • LittleMissDover
    LittleMissDover Posts: 820 Member
    I would assume when you set up you set your general activity to 'sedentary' and then obviously as you do exercise add that to your exercise section and it will add the calories for that.

    1200 will definitely be too low for someone of your height and weight.
  • linz1125
    linz1125 Posts: 441 Member
    I would honestly talk to your doctors or a nutritionist about calories per day, especially since there are other health concerns. That way they can also work with you on specific foods that would be best to consume or avoid.
  • GaidenJade
    GaidenJade Posts: 171
    My brother in law is paraplegic and is always struggling with losing, because he can only move one arm well and the other was partially paralyzed by a stroke. So he eats very little calories a day in small meals throughout.

    Problem is that the caloric level of a person in a wheelchair is different form a person who moves about more. I would get an HRM, test a normal day for you and get how many calories your body uses for an entire 24 hours.

    Now since you can move around more, I would think that 1200 might be too low, but there are many variables when some of your muscles are paralyzed, or cannot work at normal capacity. If an HRM is out, then I would go to your doctor and ask him how you can test your daily TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)

    I would think that bulk of weight you lost at first was water weight. But remember, especially if you have severe health concerns, losing slowly is the way to go. Don't give up. You can do this!
  • rebeccalray5
    rebeccalray5 Posts: 36
    My brother in law is paraplegic and is always struggling with losing, because he can only move one arm well and the other was partially paralyzed by a stroke. So he eats very little calories a day in small meals throughout.

    Problem is that the caloric level of a person in a wheelchair is different form a person who moves about more. I would get an HRM, test a normal day for you and get how many calories your body uses for an entire 24 hours.

    Now since you can move around more, I would think that 1200 might be too low, but there are many variables when some of your muscles are paralyzed, or cannot work at normal capacity. If an HRM is out, then I would go to your doctor and ask him how you can test your daily TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)

    I would think that bulk of weight you lost at first was water weight. But remember, especially if you have severe health concerns, losing slowly is the way to go. Don't give up. You can do this!

    This sounds like fantastic advice! I was thinking an HRM as well:)
  • Kathy53925
    Kathy53925 Posts: 241 Member
    1200 is definitely too low. 1570 even sounds a bit low, but it may be right. I agree with consulting a dietician and have them map out a good plan. Tell them you are using MFP to log.

    Good luck!!
  • Cal28
    Cal28 Posts: 514 Member
    I'm sure I read that a HRM doesn't function properly for all day wear...?
    I agree with seeing the doctor (are there any other forums that may have more specific info?) as people, with the best of intentions, may advise you something which could be detrimental to your health otherwise.

    Good Luck! x
  • Dudagarcia
    Dudagarcia Posts: 849 Member
    You may want to search IPOARM, here Dan gives you the tools for a successful and sustainable diet that you can use and manipulate to achieve your goals. Wish you well :)
  • Lina4Lina
    Lina4Lina Posts: 712 Member
    I would honestly talk to your doctors or a nutritionist about calories per day, especially since there are other health concerns. That way they can also work with you on specific foods that would be best to consume or avoid.

    Agreed, even with sedentary settings, I'm guessing they are assuming someone is walking at least partially. A nutritionist who deals with wheelchair users would be better than a website estimate.
  • RichAndRobin
    RichAndRobin Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks for the replies - Will certainly try and get more information from Dr's and such - Although that is easier said than done.
  • AngInCanada
    AngInCanada Posts: 947 Member
    what about eating at your BMR? BMR is how many calories someone burns as if they were in a coma, not moving etc. Then eat back your exercise calories.
  • mfpcopine
    mfpcopine Posts: 3,093 Member
    Thanks for the replies - Will certainly try and get more information from Dr's and such - Although that is easier said than done.

    I think that getting specific advice from professionals is the best course of action. Calorie charts and estimated calorie expenditures are based on individuals who have normal movement, and they're often men, which means they don't even apply to me.

    Although it's great you're exercising, I don't think that doing a hand wheel can burn all that many calories. Exercises that burn the most calories involve the lower body or the whole body, and often are weight-bearing That said, you probably burn more calories doing that exercise than I would because you probably have much more upper body development.

    In any event, calorie reduction, not exercise (while good for you) is the key to weight loss. Whether 1200 is too little for you I couldn't say. Are you feeling unwell on 1,200? If not, trying staying at that level for a while. If you are, increase your calories by a couple of hundred until you can see a specialist.

    Remember, if you are obese or overweight, you will not starve at 1200 calories a day. Just make sure you're eating 1200 nutritious calories.

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