calorie deficit for 2lb weekly weight loss seems extreme

ClaireElanB
ClaireElanB Posts: 94 Member
edited September 22 in Health and Weight Loss
Hello,
The general consensus is a 2lb loss is the most you can drop healthily.
However when I calculate what will give me a weekly 2lb loss, the tracker tells me to consume just 800 cal (not counting exercise - that would be added on) to get the deficit for a 2lb weekly loss.
I'd need to workout just to be able to earn the calorie allowance for 3 meals! :O
Would this really result in a loss, or would it cause my metabolism to stop? Its obviously very low by health guidelines.
Am I using the calculator incorrectly? Or is this correct & a motivator to lace up the sneakers? :)
I am 5'4" & female.
Thanks!

Replies

  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    It is the common consensus on here that setting it for 1lb a week is the better way to go. Cutting that many calories is setting yourself up for failure IMO.
  • karot32
    karot32 Posts: 46
    I think 1200 cals is the lowest anybody should go
  • FunkBunny
    FunkBunny Posts: 417 Member
    Your weight is fairly close to mine and I'm at 1380 for daily calories. But it might also depend on how active you listed yourself in your profile. If you are in a highly active job and are always on the go, you will need more calories. If you are in a do nothing job where you sit and breath all day, then you will need less calories. I would double check those and re-enter your info and see if that doesnt help.
  • Sugar_Apple
    Sugar_Apple Posts: 951 Member
    I think you should re-calculate again
    I have mine set at 2lbs a week and I am female 5' 5" and MFP set my minimum at 1200 calories
  • ClaireElanB
    ClaireElanB Posts: 94 Member
    I think I'm calculating something wrong because it seems 1200 cals would cause a significant weight loss. I wish I had one of those bodybugg thingies to workout my real daily metabolic calorie burn.
  • shannonichole
    shannonichole Posts: 126
    I lose about 2lbs a week and I consume 1880 calories. I put down that I want to lose 1lb a week and it gave me that number. I tried to do the 800 calorie thing before this site and it worked for a couple weeks and then I gained it all back within a weekend!

    Try putting down you want to lose 1lb and then uping your exercise (that's what I do now). To lose a pound of fat a week you would need to burn 500 calories a day, seven days a week (give or take depending upon your body type). I try to burn the calories off through exercise instead of eating less.

    You might need to just keep changing up your routine to "trick" your metabolism.

    Good luck!
  • gambitsgurl
    gambitsgurl Posts: 632 Member
    You need a 6000 calorie deficit to lose 2 pounds. What you may not be counting is the calories you burn at rest. If I don't move all day I burn about 2000 calories (I have a bodybugg so I've tracked it). If I move a bit I burn about 2400. If I eat 1200 then that's 1200 a day. That's makes 2 lbs a week doable.
  • vickiele1
    vickiele1 Posts: 394 Member
    Hello,
    The general consensus is a 2lb loss is the most you can drop healthily.
    However when I calculate what will give me a weekly 2lb loss, the tracker tells me to consume just 800 cal (not counting exercise - that would be added on) to get the deficit for a 2lb weekly loss.
    I'd need to workout just to be able to earn the calorie allowance for 3 meals! :O
    Would this really result in a loss, or would it cause my metabolism to stop? Its obviously very low by health guidelines.
    Am I using the calculator incorrectly? Or is this correct & a motivator to lace up the sneakers? :)
    I am 5'4" & female.
    Thanks!

    Mine is now down to 400 calories - which is ridiculous. I suggest that you figure out what works for you and do that instead of paying attention to the allowances recommended.

    Vickie
  • ClaireElanB
    ClaireElanB Posts: 94 Member
    Thank you for the great feedback! I will definitely be raising my daily calorie goal. Thank you so much for reassuring me I should trust my instincts & not the calculator!
  • cmw9696
    cmw9696 Posts: 123
    1200 is probably the lowest you should go...with that, if and when you exercise, you "earn" more calories... The best way for me, that I have found, is to consume good quality foods full of fiber, lean protein, and complex carbs. Keep the sodium low, and stay away from the simple sugars. And the ultimate no-no for me, is no fast food!

    good luck!
  • eillamarie
    eillamarie Posts: 862 Member
    1,200 calories is generally the amount your body needs just to SURVIVE. If a woman goes any lower than that she risks doing metabolic damage and having her body break down muscle and other tissue to meet her body's caloric needs.
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