Nutritionist says my body is in starvation mode....will I ever recover?
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amanymorad
Posts: 11 Member
Hey y'all... I've never blogged before, but I'm really losing motivation for my weight loss program, so thought I'd try this community thing out....please help me out if you can (sorry about the long read OXD )
My name is Amany, I'm 23, height: 150 cm, weight: 79 Kgs, not very active.... I've been overweight since third/fourth grade....throughout my life I've tried my fair share of diets, crash diets, chemical diets, no carbs diets, etc....for years I've been trying to get my weight down, with the constant social pressure of "you're fat" and "you have no will to stop eating" and "it's pathetic how you can't fight your cravings" (that's all just from my father, mind you...)
I finally reached the stage of Fudge this, I'm beautiful the way I am, and built that emotional wall against dieting. I'm out most of my day, in classes or rehearsals (I'm a performer) or just plain out with friends. my food for the past 5 years mainly depended on junk food/ sandwiches...even my home cooked meals were not so healthy (because my dad is an aspiring gourmet chef...the irony!)
However, in June, after the stress of graduating, graduation project, and finals (I'm a stressing overachiever), I stepped on the scale, and found that I have gained 10 whole kgs in less than 2 months....
This was a wake up call
I've pushed myself off the ledge from "overweight" to downright "obese"
falling into depression did not help my eating habits... so it took me another month to seek professional help
I started going to a nutritionist, who measured my Metabolic rate (as well as a shitload of stuff), and found it to be 1185 cal per day....based on my data, It should be at least 1740, which leaves a 30% deficit in my metabolic rate.......he told me this is called "starvation mode" and it doesn't matter what I say, i have not been eating enough for a very long time.....needless to say, I had my "are you nuts?" face on, because I thought my meal portions were HUGE....apparently they weren't, nor were they healthy.... I was eating the wrong thing at the wrong time...I skipped breakfast most days, had a GINORMOUS lunch at 3-4 PM (That's normal in Egypt), and a late HUGE dinner at 11 PM, with no food in between, and if so,mostly baked goods. I barely ate any fruits too...
anyway, so now he tells about this starvation mode thing, and that my metabolism is shot and that it needs to be restored before actually starting to "lose weight"....he said he'd proceed with a "get healthier" mentality rather than a "get thinner" one....I told him I was on board, and started following the meal plans he gave me of 9 meals a day with 2 hours intervals (2000++ calories).....first week, I lost 100 gms, 2nd week I gained 200, Third week I gained another 200, fourth week, I went into full blown depression, and I didn't eat anything all week accompanied by severe toothache, I only drank milk 4 times a day, and it was time for my measurements....I lost 1.3 kgs from the week before, 1 kg of which from my body fat, the rest was muscle mass...I also gained 20 gms muscle mass overall, and my metabolic rate became 1190 (5 cal increase).....very very slow progress, but progress nonetheless! I was super excited, it must finally be working!!!! following week (week 5) I gained 1.2 kgs following the meal plan down to every word.....
so now I'm in week 6....I'm extremely demotivated....is the Dr. talking nonsense? according to online articles, he is not...his logic is solid , and theoretically, what he's doing should work....but It's NOT WORKING!!!
am I too impatient? is 6 weeks not enough to start seeing results? I'm too scared to go to my appointment on Saturday......I even broke my own scale in a fit of rage last week *clears throat shamefully*
I don't know what to do
Please Help me
My name is Amany, I'm 23, height: 150 cm, weight: 79 Kgs, not very active.... I've been overweight since third/fourth grade....throughout my life I've tried my fair share of diets, crash diets, chemical diets, no carbs diets, etc....for years I've been trying to get my weight down, with the constant social pressure of "you're fat" and "you have no will to stop eating" and "it's pathetic how you can't fight your cravings" (that's all just from my father, mind you...)
I finally reached the stage of Fudge this, I'm beautiful the way I am, and built that emotional wall against dieting. I'm out most of my day, in classes or rehearsals (I'm a performer) or just plain out with friends. my food for the past 5 years mainly depended on junk food/ sandwiches...even my home cooked meals were not so healthy (because my dad is an aspiring gourmet chef...the irony!)
However, in June, after the stress of graduating, graduation project, and finals (I'm a stressing overachiever), I stepped on the scale, and found that I have gained 10 whole kgs in less than 2 months....
This was a wake up call
I've pushed myself off the ledge from "overweight" to downright "obese"
falling into depression did not help my eating habits... so it took me another month to seek professional help
I started going to a nutritionist, who measured my Metabolic rate (as well as a shitload of stuff), and found it to be 1185 cal per day....based on my data, It should be at least 1740, which leaves a 30% deficit in my metabolic rate.......he told me this is called "starvation mode" and it doesn't matter what I say, i have not been eating enough for a very long time.....needless to say, I had my "are you nuts?" face on, because I thought my meal portions were HUGE....apparently they weren't, nor were they healthy.... I was eating the wrong thing at the wrong time...I skipped breakfast most days, had a GINORMOUS lunch at 3-4 PM (That's normal in Egypt), and a late HUGE dinner at 11 PM, with no food in between, and if so,mostly baked goods. I barely ate any fruits too...
anyway, so now he tells about this starvation mode thing, and that my metabolism is shot and that it needs to be restored before actually starting to "lose weight"....he said he'd proceed with a "get healthier" mentality rather than a "get thinner" one....I told him I was on board, and started following the meal plans he gave me of 9 meals a day with 2 hours intervals (2000++ calories).....first week, I lost 100 gms, 2nd week I gained 200, Third week I gained another 200, fourth week, I went into full blown depression, and I didn't eat anything all week accompanied by severe toothache, I only drank milk 4 times a day, and it was time for my measurements....I lost 1.3 kgs from the week before, 1 kg of which from my body fat, the rest was muscle mass...I also gained 20 gms muscle mass overall, and my metabolic rate became 1190 (5 cal increase).....very very slow progress, but progress nonetheless! I was super excited, it must finally be working!!!! following week (week 5) I gained 1.2 kgs following the meal plan down to every word.....
so now I'm in week 6....I'm extremely demotivated....is the Dr. talking nonsense? according to online articles, he is not...his logic is solid , and theoretically, what he's doing should work....but It's NOT WORKING!!!
am I too impatient? is 6 weeks not enough to start seeing results? I'm too scared to go to my appointment on Saturday......I even broke my own scale in a fit of rage last week *clears throat shamefully*
I don't know what to do
Please Help me
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Replies
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Dump your nutritionist. Starvation mode, as he explains it, is not a thing. Meal timing and frequency will not matter. The only thing that matters to losing weight is that you're in a calorie deficit. Log everything as accurately as possible (if you aren't using one yet, purchase a food scale to help you keep within your deficit).8
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He is telling you the truth, but its not as bad as it sounds. Start eating again and keep working out .people that fast go into starvation mode all the time, and seem to be ok.1
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Yes, he is talking nonsense. No, his logic is not solid. Think about it: if you eat less than your body needs, how on earth would you GAIN weight? If starvation mode like he described was real, no one would ever die from lack of food. You gained weight because you were eating more calories than your body requires.
What's the reasoning behind 9 meals a day? How many calories are you eating? Are you weighing your food on a scale? Also, how is he measuring changes in body composition?
All that is required for weight loss is a calorie deficit; how you get there is entirely up to you.5 -
Dump your nutritionist. Starvation mode, as he explains it, is not a thing. Meal timing and frequency will not matter. The only thing that matters to losing weight is that you're in a calorie deficit. Log everything as accurately as possible (if you aren't using one yet, purchase a food scale to help you keep within your deficit).
He used an InBody machine to calculate this deficit
http://www.longevitymaxfitness.com/inbody 230 b.jpg
what do you mean by "keep within deficit"??0 -
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Dump your nutritionist. Starvation mode, as he explains it, is not a thing. Meal timing and frequency will not matter. The only thing that matters to losing weight is that you're in a calorie deficit. Log everything as accurately as possible (if you aren't using one yet, purchase a food scale to help you keep within your deficit).
^^ this. plug in your information to MFP and start with a goal of 1 lb per week and stick to that calorie goal for a few weeks. if you're losing slower than the 1 lb per week rate you may need to decrease your calories, if you're losing faster it may be that you can add more calories after a few more weeks (to make sure it's not the initial rush of water weight).
if you exercise log that as well and keep in mind that mfp may over-estimate the calorie burn, but try eating at least some of those calories back.
I would very seriously recommend purchasing a food scale so that you can accurately measure the solid foods you are consuming, but even if you start off just measuring or basing your log on packages it's better than nothing.
if you have a bad day, log it, if you have a great day and feel satisfied and energetic, that's worth paying attention to as well.
you don't have to change everything all at once, you can start by making small changes incrementally.
you can do this! and you can do it without listening to quack nutritionists or unhelpful parents. you're not doing this for them, you're doing it for you.3 -
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Yes, he is talking nonsense. No, his logic is not solid. Think about it: if you eat less than your body needs, how on earth would you GAIN weight? If starvation mode like he described was real, no one would ever die from lack of food. You gained weight because you were eating more calories than your body requires.
What's the reasoning behind 9 meals a day? How many calories are you eating? Are you weighing your food on a scale? Also, how is he measuring changes in body composition?
All that is required for weight loss is a calorie deficit; how you get there is entirely up to you.
For me to go below my current metabolic rate, I will be eating less than 1190 cal a day (which is LESS than the recommended 1200 to begin with) with around 300 cal for example....so around 900 cal...how is that healthy??0 -
You might not even have one anymore.
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amanymorad wrote: »Dump your nutritionist. Starvation mode, as he explains it, is not a thing. Meal timing and frequency will not matter. The only thing that matters to losing weight is that you're in a calorie deficit. Log everything as accurately as possible (if you aren't using one yet, purchase a food scale to help you keep within your deficit).
He used an InBody machine to calculate this deficit
http://www.longevitymaxfitness.com/inbody 230 b.jpg
what do you mean by "keep within deficit"??
A calorie deficit is when you eat fewer calories than your body requires per day. For example: my body needs 1900 calories per day to keep me alive (BMR) plus my cardio and lifting on top of that. This total number is my Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). If I eat below my TDEE, I will lose weight.
What did MFP tell you to eat per day when you signed up? If you stay below that number (accounting for added calories through exercise) you will lose weight.0 -
Sounds like that particular nutritionist isn't working for you. I would look for another who takes a different approach. Being super stressed over results and keeping on top of professional advice probably isn't working for you on top of the technique not working.1
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amanymorad wrote: »Yes, he is talking nonsense. No, his logic is not solid. Think about it: if you eat less than your body needs, how on earth would you GAIN weight? If starvation mode like he described was real, no one would ever die from lack of food. You gained weight because you were eating more calories than your body requires.
What's the reasoning behind 9 meals a day? How many calories are you eating? Are you weighing your food on a scale? Also, how is he measuring changes in body composition?
All that is required for weight loss is a calorie deficit; how you get there is entirely up to you.
For me to go below my current metabolic rate, I will be eating less than 1190 cal a day (which is LESS than the recommended 1200 to begin with) with around 300 cal for example....so around 900 cal...how is that healthy??
I think your nutritionist gave you your BMR. That is what is needed to keep you alive every day. Walking and exercise give you more calories. Take a look at these very helpful threads:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10300319/most-helpful-posts-general-diet-and-weight-loss-help-must-reads#latest
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amanymorad wrote: »Yes, he is talking nonsense. No, his logic is not solid. Think about it: if you eat less than your body needs, how on earth would you GAIN weight? If starvation mode like he described was real, no one would ever die from lack of food. You gained weight because you were eating more calories than your body requires.
What's the reasoning behind 9 meals a day? How many calories are you eating? Are you weighing your food on a scale? Also, how is he measuring changes in body composition?
All that is required for weight loss is a calorie deficit; how you get there is entirely up to you.
For me to go below my current metabolic rate, I will be eating less than 1190 cal a day (which is LESS than the recommended 1200 to begin with) with around 300 cal for example....so around 900 cal...how is that healthy??
i would ignore those numbers for now. if that number is your BMR then that is just what you burn by existing, it doesn't include walking, performing, or anything else you do on top of the processes your body continuously undertakes to ensure your survival.2 -
He is telling you the truth, but its not as bad as it sounds. Start eating again and keep working out .people that fast go into starvation mode all the time, and seem to be ok.
There is no such thing as "starvation mode." An old myth (i.e. excuse) that won't go away.
Starvation Mode: Is It A Myth? Is It Real? Is Your Body In It Right Now?1 -
amanymorad wrote: »Yes, he is talking nonsense. No, his logic is not solid. Think about it: if you eat less than your body needs, how on earth would you GAIN weight? If starvation mode like he described was real, no one would ever die from lack of food. You gained weight because you were eating more calories than your body requires.
What's the reasoning behind 9 meals a day? How many calories are you eating? Are you weighing your food on a scale? Also, how is he measuring changes in body composition?
All that is required for weight loss is a calorie deficit; how you get there is entirely up to you.
For me to go below my current metabolic rate, I will be eating less than 1190 cal a day (which is LESS than the recommended 1200 to begin with) with around 300 cal for example....so around 900 cal...how is that healthy??
I think your nutritionist gave you your BMR. That is what is needed to keep you alive every day. Walking and exercise give you more calories.
Yes!!! BMR!! how does that factor in?? when I logged into MFP it told me stick to 1200....I did that for a while, measured in gms everything I did (I cook from scratch 90% of the time I cook) and I still plateaued....Isn't it unhealthy to go below that ?? (though I did, 800 cal on averge, and still didn't lose weight)
I am NOT underestimating my calorie intake...I made sure of that...I even factor in the spices XD0 -
I'm very familiar with InBody scale since we have one and I use it in my gym with clients. All it shows is lean mass and fat mass % and the weight of each from your body. You can't get too much from deficit there because he only has an average of your BMR and NOT your TDEE.amanymorad wrote: »Dump your nutritionist. Starvation mode, as he explains it, is not a thing. Meal timing and frequency will not matter. The only thing that matters to losing weight is that you're in a calorie deficit. Log everything as accurately as possible (if you aren't using one yet, purchase a food scale to help you keep within your deficit).
He used an InBody machine to calculate this deficit
http://www.longevitymaxfitness.com/inbody 230 b.jpg
what do you mean by "keep within deficit"??
As stated, dump your nutritionist.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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amanymorad wrote: »amanymorad wrote: »Yes, he is talking nonsense. No, his logic is not solid. Think about it: if you eat less than your body needs, how on earth would you GAIN weight? If starvation mode like he described was real, no one would ever die from lack of food. You gained weight because you were eating more calories than your body requires.
What's the reasoning behind 9 meals a day? How many calories are you eating? Are you weighing your food on a scale? Also, how is he measuring changes in body composition?
All that is required for weight loss is a calorie deficit; how you get there is entirely up to you.
For me to go below my current metabolic rate, I will be eating less than 1190 cal a day (which is LESS than the recommended 1200 to begin with) with around 300 cal for example....so around 900 cal...how is that healthy??
I think your nutritionist gave you your BMR. That is what is needed to keep you alive every day. Walking and exercise give you more calories.
Yes!!! BMR!! how does that factor in?? when I logged into MFP it told me stick to 1200....I did that for a while, measured in gms everything I did (I cook from scratch 90% of the time I cook) and I still plateaued....Isn't it unhealthy to go below that ?? (though I did, 800 cal on averge, and still didn't lose weight)
I am NOT underestimating my calorie intake...I made sure of that...I even factor in the spices XD
How long is a while? if you are at 1200 per day then i would try to hit as close to that in NET calories as possible. 800 isn't enough food.
also, 1200 is usually recommended for a 2lb a week loss, which is pretty aggressive. if your caloric intake is really that low and you aren't losing weight then i think it is time to see a doctor to rule out any medical conditions which may be affecting your ability to lose weight.
*edited for typo2 -
I'm very familiar with InBody scale since we have one and I use it in my gym with clients. All it shows is lean mass and fat mass % and the weight of each from your body. You can't get too much from deficit there because he only has an average of your BMR and NOT your TDEE.amanymorad wrote: »Dump your nutritionist. Starvation mode, as he explains it, is not a thing. Meal timing and frequency will not matter. The only thing that matters to losing weight is that you're in a calorie deficit. Log everything as accurately as possible (if you aren't using one yet, purchase a food scale to help you keep within your deficit).
He used an InBody machine to calculate this deficit
http://www.longevitymaxfitness.com/inbody 230 b.jpg
what do you mean by "keep within deficit"??
As stated, dump your nutritionist.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
If online BMR calculators tell me I ought to have a BMR of 1580....and the InBody said my BMR is 1185-1190........Where does that leave me ?
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I also suggest you work on the shame that is beneath all this. You also need to assert some boundaries with your father. Those kind of comments are damaging to people. Tell him in a respectful manner to not comment on your weight anymore. Explain how it bothers you and affects your life. Also, tell him that if he continues it will affect your relationship with him. See, I don't know how you are and whether or not you are an independent adult etc. Some people are afraid to stand up to their parents because a) they are dependent on them in some way and b) constantly seek their approval (which that part about being a stressing overachiever tells me you are).
You can lose tons of weight but never be happy with yourself all because of the people you have in your life that fat shame you and basically criticize everything in your life. THAT is more important than losing the weight. Because, people often think that the reason for being treated poorly by others has to do with them. And that they are NOT OK just the way they are.2
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