My doctor vs MyFitnessPal and calories
Replies
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In answer to your question: I was losing body mass and increased calories. I also ate back more exercise calories, still losing.
- I would go with your Dr., I'm sure they will adjust you as you go along. Sounds like you are being monitored closely. They know more about YOU than anyone on this site. :bigsmile:
Thank you, it was awesome to get a nice response after a string of passive aggressive ones on a SUPPORT WEBSITE! SMDH0 -
For crying out loud, why would you listen to a bunch of idiots on the internet instead of your doctor? Why bother seeing a doctor then?
For the record, I have never eaten back exercise calories. Not one. I followed my doctor's instructions. You should too.0 -
I have a serious issue on my hands my doctor has me on a 900-1100 calorie diet MFP wants me not to go under 1200. However, on days I exercise which is 4-6 days a week and I burn 500-800 and MFP wants me to eat back all of those calories. My doctor (who does specialize in weight loss)says no! She says of course if I feel hungry eat, but I should not "force myself" to eat all of them back if I am not hungry just because "the computer tells me so." But I have seen so many post that my weight lost will stall which it seems like it has. I am down 16 pounds my first month but in the last 2 weeks I have lost 4 so most of the weight I lost was in the first few weeks. I am really concerned that my weight lost will stall. My body fat is dropping so I am not losing muscle which is good. It is really hard to eat back that much calories.
So the question really isn't who to listen to, but more does anyone NOT eat all their exercise calories back and still have steady weight loss?
Medical doctors are NOT trained nutritionists. I would as soon allow my doctor to dictate calories to me as my dentist!0 -
Before I switched to a steady caloric intake no matter what the exercise I had, I was regularly NOT eating my exercise calories back, and dropping weight like a stone. Since the change over, the landslide is slowing down, but so has my exercise (Being a student on campus makes the school gym that much more convenient, and since school is out right now, I'm not on campus as much.)
Even so, most days I struggle to hit my "goal", and I'm still loosing.
I know several of my friends list either don't count their exercise calories (post the exercise, then edit the calorie burn to 1), or don't eat back anywhere NEAR their exercise calories (Most have at least half of the exercise calories left when they close out their diaries.) And, as far as I can see we are all loosing - inches at least, but most are showing losses on the scale as well.
Hope this helps.0 -
I'd go with your doctor. He's the one with all the training, not all the people on here who pretend to be experts! (that's not a dig at you, that's a dig at everyone who seems to think they know best with no professional training whatsoever...)
As for eating back exercise calories. People on an average diet need to eat them back to keep their net calories above their bmr to prevent stalling, but you're eating below that anyway on a medically supervised so I don't think that applies to you.
Since I think mfp over estimates the calories burned anyway, I don't eat mine back unless I'm hungry, and then I only eat half back.
Of course if low cal is affecting your work outs - making you too tired to exercise, or making you light headed while you do - then you should probably eat them back
Remember that mfp is just a weight loss tool targeted at the general public and they have to protect themselves by not advocating super low calorie diets and such and while good is not always appropriate for everyone. Your doctor is giving you advice specifically for you.0 -
I have a serious issue on my hands my doctor has me on a 900-1100 calorie diet MFP wants me not to go under 1200. However, on days I exercise which is 4-6 days a week and I burn 500-800 and MFP wants me to eat back all of those calories. My doctor (who does specialize in weight loss)says no! She says of course if I feel hungry eat, but I should not "force myself" to eat all of them back if I am not hungry just because "the computer tells me so." But I have seen so many post that my weight lost will stall which it seems like it has. I am down 16 pounds my first month but in the last 2 weeks I have lost 4 so most of the weight I lost was in the first few weeks. I am really concerned that my weight lost will stall. My body fat is dropping so I am not losing muscle which is good. It is really hard to eat back that much calories.
So the question really isn't who to listen to, but more does anyone NOT eat all their exercise calories back and still have steady weight loss?
Just an fyi, I had a friend who went through this. She adhered to her instructions, and was told she had to lose X amount on her own for her insurance to cover it. She did. Upon doing this, she was informed that they wouldn't be covering the surgery because she was losing just fine without it. At the rate you're losing, it's incredibly unlikely that your insurance would approve the surgery. Just telling you to prepare you. :flowerforyou:0 -
^this!! MFP cannot be responsible for people developing issues or eating disorders...I believe that's why they have the generic 1200 cal situation and have the 'eat your calories' bit..because if I really wanted to, I could burn my 1200 in working out then have nothing for normal physiological function (brain, heart, etc). I don't think eating tiny amounts like 6-700 calories a day is ok, but your doc said 9-1000 is ok...and I would trust him. I think it's rediculous to try to cram food down your throat to make up for working out (and what's the point in working out to burn calories if you just have to eat them back?!)...I'm new here, but I never eat my calories back, not saying that if I was particularly hungry I wouldn't tap into them, but I don't force myself to eat them.I'd go with your doctor. He's the one with all the training, not all the people on here who pretend to be experts! (that's not a dig at you, that's a dig at everyone who seems to think they know best with no professional training whatsoever...)
As for eating back exercise calories. People on an average diet need to eat them back to keep their net calories above their bmr to prevent stalling, but you're eating below that anyway on a medically supervised so I don't think that applies to you.
Since I think mfp over estimates the calories burned anyway, I don't eat mine back unless I'm hungry, and then I only eat half back.
Of course if low cal is affecting your work outs - making you too tired to exercise, or making you light headed while you do - then you should probably eat them back
Remember that mfp is just a weight loss tool targeted at the general public and they have to protect themselves by not advocating super low calorie diets and such and while good is not always appropriate for everyone. Your doctor is giving you advice specifically for you.0 -
When I told my Dr. I was working on losing weight, he sat down and asked several questions.
1. How many calories are you eating a day?
(about 1600, give or take)
2. What exercises are you doing, since you have severe back/hip/knee problems?
(Chair exercises, resistance bands, small hand weights and some body weight exercises. I have a stability ball for when I lose more weight and feel more stable to sit on it to exercise.)
3. Are you watching your protein, salt, fiber, sugar, and potassium levels?
(Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. Because of taking 3 BP meds, I try to make sure I am eating enough potassium, I am not big on salt, so watch for the hidden salt in things.)
4. What else are you doing
(I am taking it slow and easy. I try to do cardio 5 times a week for at least 12 minutes, right now. When I get up to go to the rest room, I do 5 wall pushups. When I come back from said room, I do 5 wall squats. In getting up from wheelchair to get a little walking in while in apartment, I do at least 2 sitting to standing squats, and do the reverse when sitting back down.) No, it's not a lot, but it's more than I've done for several years. I try to take the wheelchair out *wheel walking* at least 2-3 times a week.)
I have more than 200 pounds to lose, and we tried to get me approved for Qysemia, which is a weight loss pill. It was going to be very temporary, to lose about 50-75 pounds, to get me to at least a slightly healthier weight. I am on Medicaid and it refuses to pay 150 dollars a month for 3-6months, and will pay more than $4000 a month for all the meds I need, such as asthma meds, 3 BP meds, 1 water pill, an inhaler, pain pills, muscle relaxant, anti-depressant and sleeping pill. Even the person I talked to agreed; this is dumb. $150/month for up to 6 months verses the $4,000/month for the last 2 years, and who knows how many years to come.
All this to say...if your doctor is not asking you the right questions, if you feel he's not listening, or that the information is wrong, it's time to decide what to do. Do you keep the Dr, and start asking HIM the questions and making certain he gets you the information, or gets you to someone who has it; or do your do some research, and find a doctor who can answer those questions and help you to lose the fat in a healthy manner. In the end, it is something only you can decide, and I know it isn't easy. Do some research for yourself about the "starvation mode" and what it really means for you and how it will/can affect YOUR weight loss. I talked to my Dr. about BMR/TDEE and actually taught HIM some new things. He did some research and is being able to use it for others needing to lose weight, large or small amounts. I showed him MFP, and again, he did his own research and said to be careful who you listen to, but that there is some good info here. Said that keeping track of what you are eating, your exercise and water is a good idea, even if you have no weight to lose.
Don't accept status quo from your doctor. I have with previous ones, and my health deteriorated after taking some of their suggestions. I have a good doctor here in the States, and when I get to Canada with my husband, he has a good doctor he is already talking to about me who is looking into some of the things I may need to help me, such a physical therapy, a chair exercise group at their clinic, and other such things. What I'm telling you is, there are good doctors out there, and there is one who is right for you. It's just going to take time from you to find that Dr...or perhaps to help the Dr. you have become that Dr. for you.
I will keep you in my thoughts.
By the way, as far as exercise calories go, if I am hungry after exercise, I eat them, if I am not, I don't. I don't force myself to eat when not hungry anymore.0 -
I have a serious issue on my hands my doctor has me on a 900-1100 calorie diet MFP wants me not to go under 1200. However, on days I exercise which is 4-6 days a week and I burn 500-800 and MFP wants me to eat back all of those calories. My doctor (who does specialize in weight loss)says no! She says of course if I feel hungry eat, but I should not "force myself" to eat all of them back if I am not hungry just because "the computer tells me so." But I have seen so many post that my weight lost will stall which it seems like it has. I am down 16 pounds my first month but in the last 2 weeks I have lost 4 so most of the weight I lost was in the first few weeks. I am really concerned that my weight lost will stall. My body fat is dropping so I am not losing muscle which is good. It is really hard to eat back that much calories.
So the question really isn't who to listen to, but more does anyone NOT eat all their exercise calories back and still have steady weight loss?
Medical doctors are NOT trained nutritionists. I would as soon allow my doctor to dictate calories to me as my dentist!
I know I have been recommended diets by doctors in the past that were totally unmaintainable or even livable at very low calorie deficits. I cannot personally maintain a VLCD. I don't think they usually take the time to recommend a specialized to your needs diet. I have not experienced that with the doctors I have seen. The VLCD recommendation was not because of any other health issue than my weight. It may be different at a weight loss clinic. I honestly don't know. I don't know why a normal diet would not work if you do not have any major health problems.0 -
That just seems really unhealthy to me. I've always heard never to go under 1200, and that is the minimum your body needs to survive. Any less than that, and it'll go into starvation mode. Get a second opinion.0
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^this!! MFP cannot be responsible for people developing issues or eating disorders...I believe that's why they have the generic 1200 cal situation and have the 'eat your calories' bit..because if I really wanted to, I could burn my 1200 in working out then have nothing for normal physiological function (brain, heart, etc). I don't think eating tiny amounts like 6-700 calories a day is ok, but your doc said 9-1000 is ok...and I would trust him. I think it's rediculous to try to cram food down your throat to make up for working out (and what's the point in working out to burn calories if you just have to eat them back?!)...I'm new here, but I never eat my calories back, not saying that if I was particularly hungry I wouldn't tap into them, but I don't force myself to eat them.I'd go with your doctor. He's the one with all the training, not all the people on here who pretend to be experts! (that's not a dig at you, that's a dig at everyone who seems to think they know best with no professional training whatsoever...)
As for eating back exercise calories. People on an average diet need to eat them back to keep their net calories above their bmr to prevent stalling, but you're eating below that anyway on a medically supervised so I don't think that applies to you.
Since I think mfp over estimates the calories burned anyway, I don't eat mine back unless I'm hungry, and then I only eat half back.
Of course if low cal is affecting your work outs - making you too tired to exercise, or making you light headed while you do - then you should probably eat them back
Remember that mfp is just a weight loss tool targeted at the general public and they have to protect themselves by not advocating super low calorie diets and such and while good is not always appropriate for everyone. Your doctor is giving you advice specifically for you.
Well if you execise and burn almost as much as you eat or burn 400-500 calories or even less your body is only actually getting a very small amount of energy to sustain itself. That is not healthy. I think it would be better to net 900-1000 calories and eat the exercise calories back if the number are pretty accurate. Living off 400 or 500 calories for all body functions including the brain does not seem healthy, especially if you need to lose under 100 lbs. If I were you I would stick to the 900-1000 calories a day and eat my exercise calories back. That seems the healthiest to me.0 -
You need to choose who you're going to listen to.
If you want to listen to your doctor then just use MFP as a tool to track calories and ignore the warnings.
If you want to listen to MFP then don't go to your doctor any more.
I can't tell you who is right. You have to make that choice yourself.
+1
Follow only one path, as Confucius probably didn't say. MFP's calorie tracking is excellent. It's advice on calorie intake has inadequate guidance, it's 1200 calorie minimum is flawed and the forums have the whole spectrum of opinions from experts to fruitcakes. If you want 10 different opinions ask here. If you're confused, stick to your doctor.0 -
So you have to choices a Doctor who specialises in the field with years of experience. Or the advice of a website and people on a forum who you don't know from Adam or have a clue about any of their real qualifications. I know which one I'd go for
MFP is a great tool but any advice you need to take with caution.0 -
I have a serious issue on my hands my doctor has me on a 900-1100 calorie diet MFP wants me not to go under 1200. However, on days I exercise which is 4-6 days a week and I burn 500-800 and MFP wants me to eat back all of those calories. My doctor (who does specialize in weight loss)says no! She says of course if I feel hungry eat, but I should not "force myself" to eat all of them back if I am not hungry just because "the computer tells me so." But I have seen so many post that my weight lost will stall which it seems like it has. I am down 16 pounds my first month but in the last 2 weeks I have lost 4 so most of the weight I lost was in the first few weeks. I am really concerned that my weight lost will stall. My body fat is dropping so I am not losing muscle which is good. It is really hard to eat back that much calories.
So the question really isn't who to listen to, but more does anyone NOT eat all their exercise calories back and still have steady weight loss?
Medical doctors are NOT trained nutritionists. I would as soon allow my doctor to dictate calories to me as my dentist!
I guess you missed the parth that this is a medical doctor that SPECIALIZES in nutrtition and weight loss.0 -
Before I switched to a steady caloric intake no matter what the exercise I had, I was regularly NOT eating my exercise calories back, and dropping weight like a stone. Since the change over, the landslide is slowing down, but so has my exercise (Being a student on campus makes the school gym that much more convenient, and since school is out right now, I'm not on campus as much.)
Even so, most days I struggle to hit my "goal", and I'm still loosing.
I know several of my friends list either don't count their exercise calories (post the exercise, then edit the calorie burn to 1), or don't eat back anywhere NEAR their exercise calories (Most have at least half of the exercise calories left when they close out their diaries.) And, as far as I can see we are all loosing - inches at least, but most are showing losses on the scale as well.
Hope this helps.
Thanks this was the REAL type of help I needed. Not useless random opinion of how I should or shouldn't just listen or not listen to my doctor. I really just wanted to know what people have tried in reguards to eating back the exercise calories and stalling or not stalling of their weight loss. Thanks!0 -
I'd go with your doctor. He's the one with all the training, not all the people on here who pretend to be experts! (that's not a dig at you, that's a dig at everyone who seems to think they know best with no professional training whatsoever...)
As for eating back exercise calories. People on an average diet need to eat them back to keep their net calories above their bmr to prevent stalling, but you're eating below that anyway on a medically supervised so I don't think that applies to you.
Since I think mfp over estimates the calories burned anyway, I don't eat mine back unless I'm hungry, and then I only eat half back.
Of course if low cal is affecting your work outs - making you too tired to exercise, or making you light headed while you do - then you should probably eat them back
Remember that mfp is just a weight loss tool targeted at the general public and they have to protect themselves by not advocating super low calorie diets and such and while good is not always appropriate for everyone. Your doctor is giving you advice specifically for you.
Thanks most sane woman I have heard on here all day =-) Thank you I agree about MFD covering their butts. I think people think I am like going around hungry...I am NEVER hungry if I amhungry I eat and my doctors encourage that. They just discourage me eating if I am not hungrt just to please MFP. Thanks for your kidness, people here are suprisingly rude. =-(0 -
I have a serious issue on my hands my doctor has me on a 900-1100 calorie diet MFP wants me not to go under 1200. However, on days I exercise which is 4-6 days a week and I burn 500-800 and MFP wants me to eat back all of those calories. My doctor (who does specialize in weight loss)says no! She says of course if I feel hungry eat, but I should not "force myself" to eat all of them back if I am not hungry just because "the computer tells me so." But I have seen so many post that my weight lost will stall which it seems like it has. I am down 16 pounds my first month but in the last 2 weeks I have lost 4 so most of the weight I lost was in the first few weeks. I am really concerned that my weight lost will stall. My body fat is dropping so I am not losing muscle which is good. It is really hard to eat back that much calories.
So the question really isn't who to listen to, but more does anyone NOT eat all their exercise calories back and still have steady weight loss?
Diet calories: 1100
Burned calories: 800
1100-800= 300 Kcal.
I hope you can stand up with this little introit of energy
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Listen to your Dr......0
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I never ate all my calories back from exercise. I stayed at 1200. I am now on maintain and still do not eat the calories I earn from my exercise.0
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[/quote]
Just an fyi, I had a friend who went through this. She adhered to her instructions, and was told she had to lose X amount on her own for her insurance to cover it. She did. Upon doing this, she was informed that they wouldn't be covering the surgery because she was losing just fine without it. At the rate you're losing, it's incredibly unlikely that your insurance would approve the surgery. Just telling you to prepare you. :flowerforyou:
[/quote]
=-)
Thanks, I figured that as well considering I have no health issues I was borderline anyways...but If I can avoid the surgery that would be awesome! How is your friend doing in her journey?0 -
Before I switched to a steady caloric intake no matter what the exercise I had, I was regularly NOT eating my exercise calories back, and dropping weight like a stone. Since the change over, the landslide is slowing down, but so has my exercise (Being a student on campus makes the school gym that much more convenient, and since school is out right now, I'm not on campus as much.)
Even so, most days I struggle to hit my "goal", and I'm still loosing.
I know several of my friends list either don't count their exercise calories (post the exercise, then edit the calorie burn to 1), or don't eat back anywhere NEAR their exercise calories (Most have at least half of the exercise calories left when they close out their diaries.) And, as far as I can see we are all loosing - inches at least, but most are showing losses on the scale as well.
Hope this helps.
Thanks this was the REAL type of help I needed. Not useless random opinion of how I should or shouldn't just listen or not listen to my doctor. I really just wanted to know what people have tried in reguards to eating back the exercise calories and stalling or not stalling of their weight loss. Thanks!
I wasn't going to throw in my useless, random opinion until I read this. When you ask something on a website, you are bound to get responses that you feel are useful. You will also get responses that you feel that are useless, random opinions. Just take the advice you feel is useful to you. No need to make negative comments to others that may feel that their comments are trying to help you.0 -
I have about the same amount to lose as you do. I got my primary doc to refer me to a nutritionist, so my insurance will cover our visits. I am being realistic and trying to create a life-long change, so it's a lifestyle I can stick with. We are working on about 1 pound per week of weight loss. She has me eating 1700 calories a day, with 60 minutes of cardio 3-4 times per week, and weights 2 times per week. No eating back the activity calories. When I stick with her plan, I lose consistently. (It's only my weeks of slipping up, going out to eat and having cocktails and crappy food for several days in a row that I don't lose).
The problem with those seriously calorie restrictive diets, is that they are hard to maintain long term. Right now your body just needs a reduction in calories and an increase in activity. When you lose some good weight, then you will readjust your calorie intake, to continue creating that calorie deficit. You should definitely have a realistic conversation with your doctor about how feasible this is to maintain long term and that you'd prefer to do something a little more manageable.
Good luck with it! Keep focused on you and your health. This is a life's journey, not a quick fix. You are working to change old habits and create new ones. We're all working for that. That takes serious time and long-term commitment.0 -
I'd listen to your doctor. I started out using this site to track my carb in take because of my diabetes. It's a great tool to just to track food. You don't have to eat back all your calorie burned calories. To me it's like whats the point in exercising if your gonna eat back those calories. but sometimes i do ... you can manually change your food nutrition daily . you don't have to go by what the site gives you. Good luck on your journey 0
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Before I switched to a steady caloric intake no matter what the exercise I had, I was regularly NOT eating my exercise calories back, and dropping weight like a stone. Since the change over, the landslide is slowing down, but so has my exercise (Being a student on campus makes the school gym that much more convenient, and since school is out right now, I'm not on campus as much.)
Even so, most days I struggle to hit my "goal", and I'm still loosing.
I know several of my friends list either don't count their exercise calories (post the exercise, then edit the calorie burn to 1), or don't eat back anywhere NEAR their exercise calories (Most have at least half of the exercise calories left when they close out their diaries.) And, as far as I can see we are all loosing - inches at least, but most are showing losses on the scale as well.
Hope this helps.
Thanks this was the REAL type of help I needed. Not useless random opinion of how I should or shouldn't just listen or not listen to my doctor. I really just wanted to know what people have tried in reguards to eating back the exercise calories and stalling or not stalling of their weight loss. Thanks!
Just an FYI, you will have stalls, it will happen at some point. I understand you are sensitive to it happening, but you really can't put "the cart before the horse" so to speak.
Do what is working for you until you stall, then make small changes (and not alot of those changes)...it may take you quite a bit more time to actually stall. Don't be afraid to bring up these concerns to the doctor you are seeing in regards to your weightloss.0 -
I'm not going to speak to the calorie issue.
I would like to suggest you SERIOUSLY reconsider the Lap Band. Ask your doctor about the band's success rate four and six years out. There are more long-term complications, caused by slips and erosions, four to six years out being reported all the time. I have heard whispers that the band (all versions) will be pulled from the market in the next five years.
I had a band for four year. I loved it and would have recommended to anyone. Then it eroded and tried to KILL me. After that I learned that statistics and success rates for any bariatric surgery are skewed. Most statistics only report for the first two years. If you have lost a certain percentage of your excess body weight within two years, it is considered a success. Any complications after two years, are not included in the statistics. You have to live with the decision (regardless of the type of surgery) for the rest of your life. If I had known long term success rates were so dismal, I never would have had surgery!0 -
When your weight loss stalls try increasing your exercise reps by an extra 2-5. If you're doing 2 sets of 25 for squats, increase it to 2 sets of 30.0
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My doctor says the same thing - DO NOT eat back the calories. I would listen to your doctor for all of it, she IS an expert0
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I would tell your doctor you are uncomfortable with his/her plan because it doesn't really seem viable long term and see what the reaction is. I am unsure if you have an impeding medical crisis that requires a quick loss, but that is the only case in which I would personally (and I am not a doctor) feel comfortable taking on a very low calorie diet.
If your doctor dismisses those concerns I would seek a second opinion.0 -
I started out not eating back my workout calories, that had me netting below 1000 calories! I started eating back anywhere from half to all of them and I've been slow and steady so far. I think each body is different and will react to calorie deficits and intakes differently. If you do not have any major health issues do what your body does better with. I personally (at 5'6") will not net below 1500 calories a day, but that is me and someone who is taller or shorter may need more or less. Good luck to you.0
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Just this past Friday, I spoke to a good friend of mine who has a degree in nutrition.My weight had stalled many times, so I was asking her a few questions.I was at a 1200 cal. and burn anywhere from 300 to 500 cal. a day or around that.She said I was not eating enough calories.I should have 1600-1800 a day and excersise and burn about 500 cal. and eat 500 less calories..This was for me to try and lose 4 pounds by May 31, I did that starting on Saturday and I have already lost a pound and its just Wenesday.Even if I may not make it to the 4 pound loss its ok..because I am excited just to be losing again..If you don't eat enough you body can shut down and it affects you organs..There was days I only ate 900 calories and I felt terrible..sluggish and no energy..Now I feel great and have more energy just in 4 days time..Sorry for my ramblings..but you got to eat to lose... 0
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