<1200 calories for 3 years

doodlecakes_07
doodlecakes_07 Posts: 69 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So, I've been eating at or under 1200 calories for 3 or 3.5 years. I also exercise a ton, usually 5 or 6 days a week, and for a while, I was exercising 7 days a week. After a year of calorie restriction, I got really obsessed, and ended up only eating 700-800 cal a day while doing an hour or 2 of intense cardio a day. I've gotten into the habit of not eating starches and instead eating a ton of veggies. (Starting to add in potato now though) I have a major diet soda addiction.

I've gained weight in the past 6 months, and I'm not eating that much. Usually just around 1200. I'm just wondering if I've messed something up in regards to my body (hormones, metabolism).

Should I increase calories? Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. I'm pretty lost at what to do.

Replies

  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    Start with a trip to your doctor. This is not normal...your metabolism has been abused. Honestly...you may have to resign yourself to gaining a bit of weight to get things back onto a more normal track.
  • jrose1982
    jrose1982 Posts: 366 Member
    Start with a trip to your doctor. This is not normal...your metabolism has been abused. Honestly...you may have to resign yourself to gaining a bit of weight to get things back onto a more normal track.

    I second that. This sounds beyond the skills of the MFP amateur-night nutritionists. Go see a doctor or nutritionist. Hope you get this figured out quickly. Good luck!
  • Beezil
    Beezil Posts: 1,677 Member
    You need an expert to help you repair your damaged metabolism. Sorry about your struggle. I hope you get well soon.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    It sounds to me like you have an eating disorder. Please go to your doctor.
  • Siegeljanet
    Siegeljanet Posts: 31 Member
    Definitely possible anorexia. But no worries! You can get control again, and you can have a normal metabolism! Anorexia counsel will help you. It IS do- able!
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    An internet forum is probably not where you need to be with this, it sounds serious and you should probably seek the council of a medical professional.

    Eating that low for that long likely did not do you any favors and from the way you phrased your relationship with diet and exercise you might have or be on the road to an eating disorder.
  • princessnuriko
    princessnuriko Posts: 50 Member
    I agree, with the above posts. See a doctor first to make sure you're doing okay.
  • pennyllayne
    pennyllayne Posts: 265
    That length of time under eating on calories causes your body to adapt to that new lower amount of calories and your BMR will be less than someone else of your height and weight with a healthy metabolism. Long term dieting also lowers thyroid function and leptin, both of which affect ability to lose weight. Additionally, eating very low calorie and exercising on top lowers your BMR further and also puts stress on your body, increasing cortisol levels and signalling the body to store fat. Malnourishment will also affect any attempt to lose weight.

    Definitely see a doctor about a possible eating disorder, you need to get that sorted. You can also ask them to check your thyroid out and any possible vitamin deficiencies.

    As far as metabolism recovery, you will benefit from upping your calories to maintenance levels for a period of at least a month and focus on more carbohydrates to increase leptin and thyroid levels. Your body has gotten used to you abusing it and starving it and it's desperately fighting against you to keep you alive, it does not care that you want to be thin, it only cares about keeping you alive. If you REALLY need to lose weight then you can try a moderate calorie deficit once your metabolism has recovered somewhat and your leptin and thyroid levels increase, but you need to address your unhealthy relationship with food now.

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