Restricting calories till period stopped - still not losing weight
mengqiz86
Posts: 176 Member
Been netting 1000cal for a few months now, haven't lost a single lb. over the past 2 months my period has been light to non-existent - it has been regular for 4 years. I know it is because of the diet because I'm on the pill so the cycles are relatively fixed.
I'm losing hope, not sure how else I can lose the 10lb I gained at beginning of the year without starving myself. 1000cal is very low for me (5'6", 130lb). No thyroid problems.
Any ideas?
I'm losing hope, not sure how else I can lose the 10lb I gained at beginning of the year without starving myself. 1000cal is very low for me (5'6", 130lb). No thyroid problems.
Any ideas?
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Replies
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Have you spoken to your doctor1
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You're only eating 1000 calories a day? Unless I am not understanding then you are starving yourself and your body is reacting. Try 1500 calories a day and keep exercising.
I also suggest a trip to the doctor and nutritionist.4 -
I understand you are netting 1000 calories and not eating a 1000 calories for the day, but I'm concerned that you think you're likely eating too few calories that your period has essentially stopped. You can lose weight eating...especially if you're eating the right amount of calories with the right amount of macros filled with nutritious food.
My suggestion is to figure out how much you should actually be eating in terms of calories and macros using the calculator on MyFitnessPal...or better yet, one that puts a bit more thought into it like this one https://legionathletics.com/macronutrient-calculator/. (Jist ignore the products on the site.) And then fill up your diet with healthy protein, good fats, whole grains and lots of fiber-rich veggies and fruit.
Also, remember that with your healthy BMI and less weight to lose, it will take you a bit more time to lose it. Your goal shouldn't be 1.5 or 2 lbs a week, but something more realistic like losing .5 lb/week.
(I also think it's a good idea to see an ObGyn. While it may well be the diet that is causing you to stop your period, it is also possible that there is another problem. Please go get checked out ASAP.)8 -
One half pound a week is a good idea.2
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Firstly, you are already a healthy weight for your height - which explains why weight-loss is slow,
Secondly, you need to go see a DOCTOR whenever you mess with your biological functioning it's not a good thing and although you may not be seeing any other problems (thyroid etc.) now if you carry on like this you could see it in a few years.2 -
What are your total calories per day, as opposed to your net calories. Some weeks, my net calories are around 800, but I've actually eaten 1400.0
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Restricting yourself to the tune of loss of menstruation, to lose 10lbs is symptomatic of a possible eating disorder.
Please see your Dr.10 -
Been netting 1000cal for a few months now, haven't lost a single lb. over the past 2 months my period has been light to non-existent - it has been regular for 4 years. I know it is because of the diet because I'm on the pill so the cycles are relatively fixed.
I'm losing hope, not sure how else I can lose the 10lb I gained at beginning of the year without starving myself. 1000cal is very low for me (5'6", 130lb). No thyroid problems.
Any ideas?
You're already pretty much at an ideal weight for your height...you don't have the fat stores to tank your diet and your body is responding accordingly.5 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »Been netting 1000cal for a few months now, haven't lost a single lb. over the past 2 months my period has been light to non-existent - it has been regular for 4 years. I know it is because of the diet because I'm on the pill so the cycles are relatively fixed.
I'm losing hope, not sure how else I can lose the 10lb I gained at beginning of the year without starving myself. 1000cal is very low for me (5'6", 130lb). No thyroid problems.
Any ideas?
You're already pretty much at an ideal weight for your height...you don't have the fat stores to tank your diet and your body is responding accordingly.
I agree.. in us females the body will respond by shutting down the system that is not pertinent to our survival and that being the reproductive system.
And you NOT losing on 1000 calories tells me that your body is in a great deal of stress right now. Not sure how long you have been eating like this or if you exercise on top of that as well but this could be what I call a perfect storm for short term and longer term health issues.
1) get to your doctor
2) reassess your weight loss goals and calorie intake and exercise regime.
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I agree that you need to see your doctor. How long have you been on the pill, and how long has it been since you stopped menstruating? Long term use of the pill can lead to lighter periods and sometimes skipping periods. If you are actually netting 1000 calories per day (which is not enough) then you would be losing weight so I suspect you are eating more than you think. But definitely see your doctor.0
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You say "netting."
How hard are you exercising?
That can actually be more of an issue with hormone balance than undereating, for some women.2 -
I assume you've taken a pregnancy test or are abstinent? Since you are on such a low net diet, you should be absolutely sure about this.4
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I agree with the pregnancy test, you can still have some light bleeding in early months. And see your doctor about everything to get the appropriate supports (registered dietician, blood tests, general check up).1
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You've been reducing calories for only "a few months" (how many?), and you've had light periods for only two months. I'm not a medical professional, but I highly doubt that a 1,000 calorie diet would stop your periods that quickly. That usually happens after long-term starvation. I also don't think two lighter cycles are particularly significant. If you are worried, see a doctor.1
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You've been reducing calories for only "a few months" (how many?), and you've had light periods for only two months. I'm not a medical professional, but I highly doubt that a 1,000 calorie diet would stop your periods that quickly. That usually happens after long-term starvation. I also don't think two lighter cycles are particularly significant. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Wrong. Low energy balance, not necessarily starvation, can stop periods and it does not require that it be "long term." You are correct in that the OP should see a doctor.2 -
Being on "the pill" is a term that annoys me. What one? I took one all month long and had erratic /none/constant periods over 6 years. I took one that I had a break from once a month and it like clockwork. This could be a pill issue! But yes, go get checked out. Also ... hugely doubt you're legit eating 1000cals at 5'6 and not losing. I'd call the accuracy card im sorry xx0
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I'm the same weight and height as you are and previously had an eating disorder. I restricted my intake to the point where I stopped having periods and developed heart problems and still never dropped below 125.
What I worked for me (years later) was eating 1600 - 1800 and heavy weight lifting. Before getting pregnant last year I was 135lbs but a size 4 and very happy with my body.1 -
over exercising can also cause amenorrhea. if you are eating 1000 calories and burning most of those off and not eating your exercise calories back then that could be the cause. you need to eat more and maybe talk to someone. you are at a healthy weight why do you need to lose 10lbs? why is it so important?1
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A couple of different issues here.
1. You are already at the low end of what's considered healthy for your height, and an additional 10 lbs lost will put you in the underweight category. If you're unhappy with how you look, you might want to look into a body recomposition program, lifting weights.
2. The loss of your period, and how few calories you've been eating, are both concerning. I agree with others that you really need to see your doctor, and soon.3 -
So I train for running and tennis 5 days a week, averaging 400-800 cal per session. I weight train, but mostly for functional stuff to prevent injuries. I eat about 1400-1500 cal per day. I'm on Yasmin, for 4 years, never had a problem.
I've been around 118-121 over past 5 years, never watched my diet or weight. This year I put on 9lb within what seemed like a month (I am not sure.. never really monitored weight regularly) and for the first time in 5 years, I had to size up my pants. That was a sobering moment. Lol. I'd like to fit into my pants collection again.
jokes aside, my ideal racing weight, per trainer, is about 117-119. I never had problem getting down to that weight during race season, but this year has been just bizarre.
My last trip to my GYN showed no particular issue with hormones.. I'm thinking I'll go do a basal metabolic test this month. I might have already wreaked havoc on my metabolism.... It's never suffered such abuse before.. Still confused why I'm just not losing weight,0 -
Thanks for all the input. So I train for running and tennis, 6 days a week, prolly averaging 400-800 cal per session. I eat 1,300-1,500cal per day depending on training (so I guess netting less than1000) I weight train, but mainly functionally stuff to prevent injuries. Been on Yasmin for 4 years, never had a problem.
Why do I need to lose..... I guess I've been weight stable at 121-122 for at least 5 years, during which I never watched my diet or weight. Beginning of this year I couldn't fit into my pants. Weighed myself and it just seemed like I put on 8-9lb within what seemed like 1-2 months. Would be nice to fit into my pants again. that aside, I really want to get leaner for races. I know I race best, and feel best, at a lower weight. It's just what I'm used to.
I guess I'll pay a visit to the doc. Maybe will do a basal metabolic test. I suspect I've wreaked some havoc to the metabolism.. Still confused why I'm not losing.1 -
At a certain point, the body will simply stop allowing thyroid function to occur if you train over a long span of time that you will not provide enough fuel for the work that you do. It's a survival aspect.
I completely destroyed my metabolism this way. Netting less than 700 calories a day for several years. I gained weight during bingeing periods (which at that point was to eat a normal diet of 2100 a day, give or take), and then would restrict again because of the gains.
Finally, a doctor heard me, and we did a metabolic response test that demonstrated that my thyroid literally shut down about 30 minutes after I ate. It didn't function while I exercised or any of that. I could not lose weight successfully without the help of hormone therapy and rehab.
As to the respondent above, who says a couple months can't stop a period... I'm proof positive it can because that's literally what's happened to me now that I'm in a bariatrics program (because yeah, my situation swung that far the other direction... long story). Two months of pre-op diet, and I stopped cycling completely. When you convince your body that you won't even support your own functions, it will prevent you from letting you try to support another being too.3 -
Stop starving yourself.
You're at a healthy weight.
Speak to a professional.
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Thanks for all the input. So I train for running and tennis, 6 days a week, prolly averaging 400-800 cal per session. I eat 1,300-1,500cal per day depending on training (so I guess netting less than1000) I weight train, but mainly functionally stuff to prevent injuries. Been on Yasmin for 4 years, never had a problem.
Why do I need to lose..... I guess I've been weight stable at 121-122 for at least 5 years, during which I never watched my diet or weight. Beginning of this year I couldn't fit into my pants. Weighed myself and it just seemed like I put on 8-9lb within what seemed like 1-2 months. Would be nice to fit into my pants again. that aside, I really want to get leaner for races. I know I race best, and feel best, at a lower weight. It's just what I'm used to.
I guess I'll pay a visit to the doc. Maybe will do a basal metabolic test. I suspect I've wreaked some havoc to the metabolism.. Still confused why I'm not losing.
I am also 5'6". What’s your frame size? http://www.myfooddiary.com/Resources/frame_size_calculator.asp0 -
Firstly, you need to eat MUCH more than this. If you have been doing this for a while the hormones in your body which prompt it to burn fat decrease. You need to go on a diet break. The first thing you need to do is to go and see a doctor. If you cannot come up with an appropriate calorie range for yourself you need to seek the advice of someone that knows about people who have been on ultra low calories for long periods of time. Check out these people on youtube they have great advice: Amanda Bucci, Yami Mufdi, Josie Mai, Obese to Beast. These are just a few, they have different takes on how to eat, but their advice is very similar on metbaolic damage, losing weight, gaining weight, maintenance, working out, etc. 0
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How old are you and over what age were you what you are calling your "stable weight?" It's normal to have a final "growth spurt" in your late teens or twenties as your body puts the finishing touches on preparing for having babies. Hips can widen and your body will try to up the body fat percentage.3
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kshama2001 wrote: »Thanks for all the input. So I train for running and tennis, 6 days a week, prolly averaging 400-800 cal per session. I eat 1,300-1,500cal per day depending on training (so I guess netting less than1000) I weight train, but mainly functionally stuff to prevent injuries. Been on Yasmin for 4 years, never had a problem.
Why do I need to lose..... I guess I've been weight stable at 121-122 for at least 5 years, during which I never watched my diet or weight. Beginning of this year I couldn't fit into my pants. Weighed myself and it just seemed like I put on 8-9lb within what seemed like 1-2 months. Would be nice to fit into my pants again. that aside, I really want to get leaner for races. I know I race best, and feel best, at a lower weight. It's just what I'm used to.
I guess I'll pay a visit to the doc. Maybe will do a basal metabolic test. I suspect I've wreaked some havoc to the metabolism.. Still confused why I'm not losing.
I am also 5'6". What’s your frame size? http://www.myfooddiary.com/Resources/frame_size_calculator.asp
Per the calculator I'm of the "thin" body frame. So ideal weight is 118-131. As you can see I'm already at the higher end of that range. Honestly I'll be happy at 123 - 125. How can those 5-7 lb be so hard to lose..0 -
Really? Do you have the source for this? I'm curious.. I just turned 30. I assumed my body should have stopped growing by now.. LolHow old are you and over what age were you what you are calling your "stable weight?" It's normal to have a final "growth spurt" in your late teens or twenties as your body puts the finishing touches on preparing for having babies. Hips can widen and your body will try to up the body fat percentage.
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Really? Do you have the source for this? I'm curious.. I just turned 30. I assumed my body should have stopped growing by now.. LolHow old are you and over what age were you what you are calling your "stable weight?" It's normal to have a final "growth spurt" in your late teens or twenties as your body puts the finishing touches on preparing for having babies. Hips can widen and your body will try to up the body fat percentage.
You are neither in your teens or 20s so yes, your body should no longer be growing.
OP, if you want to lose a few lbs., use a small deficit like 250 off of your TDEE. That means all calories burned, including exercise, less 250 calories. Netting a low number of calories can cause serious long term problems. Oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea are linked to bone density loss, which increases your risk of stress fractures and down the road can lead to osteoporosis. This is a serious issue and losing a few vanity pounds quickly is not worth the risks involved.
Reading: http://www.femaleathletetriad.org/young-athletes-exercising-women/1
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