Upping calories to BMR, will I gain weight?

SouthParkFan2014
SouthParkFan2014 Posts: 12
in Food and Nutrition
Hi there, i've been using the MFP app now for almost 4 months and i've lost 25lbs thus far. However, I did so the first few weeks by eating below my required daily calories (around 1200-1300 cals when my BMR is 2077 cals). I started to put this right about a month ago; gradually increasing my calorie intake, and i've been netting at around 1700-1900 calories per day whilst still getting weight loss results. I've now decided to gradually up this further (2000-2100 cals) reaching my BMR, and hopefully making my weight loss more sustainable. My question is this, will upping this to my BMR force me to gain any weight back on again, and if so, will it be a lot? I just want to put things right, and avoid any substantial weight gain in doing so. Is this possible, or have I messed up my metabolism?

Thanks in advance.

Replies

  • _John_
    _John_ Posts: 8,646 Member
    vec0fs.jpg

    in all seriousness, I'd think most weight "regained" might be water weight if your numbers are accurate and your calorie count is approximately correct.
  • SouthParkFan2014
    SouthParkFan2014 Posts: 12
    So, would you think it unlikely that i've done any real damage to my metabolism? As I said, for the most part, I've only been eating around 200-300 cals below my BMR (e.g. 1700-1900 cals)
  • SouthParkFan2014
    SouthParkFan2014 Posts: 12
    Oh and, BEEEEFFCAAKKEE!
  • JGonzo82
    JGonzo82 Posts: 167 Member
    I seriously, seriously doubt that your metabolism is "damaged."
    One possible thing to try would be cycling your caloric intake - a few days with the approx intake where you are now, and then a day at your BMR (which would ideally be on the days that you work out the longest/hardest). If you don't see a negative impact and it helps you feel better overall (more satiated, more energy, etc)....winning!
    That said, if your calorie deficit is decreased, do expect the weight loss to slow down accordingly.
  • SouthParkFan2014
    SouthParkFan2014 Posts: 12
    Okay guys, I really appreciate the info.

    Thank you for your time.
  • fitness_faeiry
    fitness_faeiry Posts: 354 Member
    Your BMR (Basal Metabolic rate) can't be 2077 - don't you mean your TDEE?
  • marissanik
    marissanik Posts: 344 Member
    Before I knew anything about BMR or TDEE I was eating at the magical 1200 calories. I lost about 12lbs then was stuck for a good 3 months and couldn't get past it, so naturally I slipped back into my old junk ways. This year starting again I did the same thing, and then learned about BMR and TDEE and went "oh hey my BMR is 1600 I'm going to eat over that". I started eating around 1800 cals (TDEE was 2100). I gained some weight back but then quickly started losing again. It's frustrating, but it's a process and takes time. Happily have done it this way and lost 17lbs so far. NEVER. DO. 1200. Never net below your BMR. Best of luck!
  • BarbieAS
    BarbieAS Posts: 1,414 Member
    Your BMR (Basal Metabolic rate) can't be 2077 - don't you mean your TDEE?

    Of course it can. His profile says he's a 19 year old male. I just ran a couple of quick numbers and if he's 5'11" and 225lbs his BMR would be 2058. I don't know his actual height and weight, but it doesn't seem at all unreasonable.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Dude...I'm a 5'10" oldish (almost 40) male. I started out around 220 Lbs and lost pretty steadily around 1 Lb per week with a gross consumption of around 2100 - 2300 calories depending on what my exercise was that day (when I was doing the MFP method). No males should be really going below 1800...and that's if they have a lot of weight to lose. To boot, you are young.

    You may stall out a bit upping your calories, but that's just going to be water weight...you mathematically can't gain weight eating your BMR if that is indeed your BMR...your body would burn those calories in a coma. Like I said, you might see a week or two stall while your body adjusts and some water weight, but that's it...and that may not even happen...most likely your body will be jumping for joy that you are giving it some energy.
  • SouthParkFan2014
    SouthParkFan2014 Posts: 12
    I'm 6'1 and 195lbs
  • SouthParkFan2014
    SouthParkFan2014 Posts: 12
    I can't remember what calculator I used to get the 2077 reading, but I just used the MFP BMR calculator and got 1953.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/tools/bmr-calculator

    So it's there or there about, I suppose.

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