Is going under 1200 for a long time okay for me ?

mylaizai
mylaizai Posts: 13 Member
edited December 3 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm a girl , 152 cm tall. I started at 64 kilograms and aimed for 1100 calories a day that is 500 less than maintenance for me and I've lost about 2 kilograms so far. And I generally feel good. But as I lose weight my maintenance calories well become lower and when I'm close to my goal (51 kg) I'm gonna need about 1400 calories for maintenance and if I don't lower my calorie intake, my improvement will be very slow.
What do you suggest I do ?

Replies

  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    How old are you? Are you eating back your exercise calories?
  • mylaizai
    mylaizai Posts: 13 Member
    malibu927 wrote: »
    How old are you? Are you eating back your exercise calories?

    I'm 19. I don't exercise often, but when I do, i aim for 1100 net calories.
  • malibu927
    malibu927 Posts: 17,562 Member
    Since you're shorter (just under 5' for us Americans), you can get by with a lower intake. If you start feeling tired though, you may want to increase your calories. Even moving to a quarter of a kilogram a week (~250 calories off maintenance) will help, especially when you get closer to goal.
  • girlinahat
    girlinahat Posts: 2,956 Member
    I'm the same height as you but 20 years older. 1400 for maintenance doesn't sound enough, even net calories.

    Being short means a smaller deficit tends to be needed which in turn leads to a slower loss. I'm losing on a net average of 1500 (current weight 60kg or thereabouts). My weekly weight loss aim is no more than 0.5kg and that should be yours as well - you don't have a huge amount to lose.

    The problem with dropping too low in calories is you risk not getting enough nutrients, and don't have enough energy to carry out your exercise or daily tasks. Long-term this could be very bad for you. As you are young, I would actually aim for net 1300 rather than the 1100 you are now, and take the slower loss.
  • ouryve
    ouryve Posts: 572 Member
    Unless it's physically impossible, I would honestly try to get a bit more exercise in, even if it's half an hour walking.
  • mylaizai
    mylaizai Posts: 13 Member
    girlinahat wrote: »
    I'm the same height as you but 20 years older. 1400 for maintenance doesn't sound enough, even net calories.

    Being short means a smaller deficit tends to be needed which in turn leads to a slower loss. I'm losing on a net average of 1500 (current weight 60kg or thereabouts). My weekly weight loss aim is no more than 0.5kg and that should be yours as well - you don't have a huge amount to lose.
    I'm losing at the same rate. I guess our activity levels are just not the same.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    No, it's not recommended. I assume you know that from reading these boards or you wouldn't be asking. Your body is still growing and adapting. Food is the nutrition it needs. There is absolutely no reason to deny your young body needed nutrition.
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    Given that you are young enough that your body is still developing I would strongly recommend against taking such an aggressive approach to dieting. You don't need to lose weight that quickly and undererating longterm while your body is still developing is not a good idea. You can lose weight slower and be healthier for it. Use that extra energy from the food for a bit more exercise and work on your overall fitness while eating enough to support your development. Your body is still developing up until the age of 26 so I wouldn't mess with VLC type diets right now.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,631 Member
    When you get closer to goal, it's a good idea to lose slooooowly. I know this can be frustrating & challenging, but it's the best & healthiest approach!

    In this case, the cliche is correct: This is a marathon, not a sprint! Patience, you will get there . . . and arrive strong & healthy. Slow is good!
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