daft question

How long has it been since you've upped your calories? It can take your body a few weeks to adjust.

I did the same thing last month and upped my calories from 1200 to 1600 (which was so, so scary!). I gained a few pounds, and sat at a standstill for about 3-4 weeks, but now I'm dropping weight again. It really does work, just make sure you give it a fair shot.

You didn't state whether you are exercising and if you are if you are eating your exercise calories. You don't look like you have much to lose so your calorie deficit should be only about 250 calories from TDEE. If your BMR is 1500 and you exercise then you are not eating enough. Always eat at minimum your BMR amount of 1500 and more if you exercise. Good luck.

A lot of people on here seem to think that eating below your BMR slows weight loss. I've just upped my calories today so can't tell yet if it's going to work but general consensus seems to be that you should eat at least that to keep your body ticking over and out of starvation mode.

Somebody else will probably be able to help with the 'science'!

Don't give up! I have pm'd you.

If your bmr is 1500 you need to be eating more than that. that is what your body needs for basic bodily functions.

I use the fat 2 fit calculator as posted above to get my maintainence calories for my goal weight.

There is a couple of things. The biggest thing is, you need to estimate your TDEE. Your BMR is a good starting point but if you can detail what you do for a living and what your exercise routine is, then we can figure out your caloric needs. As you approach your goal, you need a smaller calorie deficit to fuel your body so it will allow you to lose weight.

I've seen a ton of stuff on here relating to 'starvation mode' but nothing to say how you can tell if your eating to little ? Does anyone know if there are any tell tale signs?

My husband was on a VLCD (very low calorie diet) for a year. His symptoms of too few calories were:

1. Tired all the time. If he sat down after work, he was sleeping within 30 seconds.
2. No desire for fun of any sort - including romantic fun.
3. Unable to focus or concentrate for extended periods of time.
4. Preferred mindless, mind-numbing activities i.e. watching television
5. Avoided any activity. Always. If something didn't allow him to sit, he didn't do it.
6. Short temper due to suffering from tjos tortuous "medically supervised weight loss program"
7. Loss of interest in hobbies.
8. Headaches and shakes. No amount of water made his headaches go away.
9. Dizziness and loss of balance or coordination.

I hated when he was on that program. If you feel run down, tired, like you cannot keep up with your life. like you don't want to go do stuff or if you think a good way to pass the weekend is just to sleep all weekend... you may not be getting enough calories.

Thankyou so much, ive just been on the fat to fit site and it gives my BMR as 1555 (harris benedit) and my tdee as 2013 (lightly active). From what you've all said i'm guessing i should be aiming at about half way between?

1600 -1700 would be ideal. Does that include your exercise?

Not all of my exercise is included no so i'd have to add it on as & when. I go hiking whenever i get chance which burns alot of calories because we cover long distances & alot of hills. Unfortunately i can't predict too far in advance when i'll get out so i can't really add it into my tdee as its as & when

On the days you didnt include in your calculatikn you should probably add another 200-300 calories.