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The Right Calorie Intake
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readjay posted:
First of all, an introduction. I'm very, very overweight. I started on March 18th weighing in at 425 pounds and finally said, "That's enough". Since then, I've watched my calorie intake, portions, and started exercising. I've lost 35 pounds so far (7 weeks) but have seemed to hit a bit of a plateau. So, on to my question...

I'm keeping my caloric intake to around 1200 to 1500 calories per day and I'm doing it by eating smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day. I'm doing both cardio and weight training, alternating each day. For the past couple weeks, I haven't seen much change; I've lost about two or three pounds. Am I "starving" my body because of such reduced calories or will my body get used to the change eventually?

Thanks in advance for thoughts and/or advice.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:The Right Calorie IntakeFirst of all, an introduction. I'm very, very overweight. I started on March 18th weighing in at 425 pounds and finally said, "That's enough". Since then, I've watched my calorie intake, portions, and started exercising. I've lost 35 pounds so far (7 weeks) but have seemed to hit a bit of a plateau. So, on to my question...<br /><br />I'm keeping my caloric intake to around 1200 to 1500 calories per day and I'm doing it by eating smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day. I'm doing both cardio and weight training, alternating each day. For the past couple weeks, I haven't seen much change; I've lost about two or three pounds. Am I "starving" my body because of such reduced calories or will my body get used to the change eventually?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for thoughts and/or advice.
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Rich Weil, MEd, CDE responded:
Hi Readjay

Congratulations on starting to take care of yourself, and on the 35 pounds. That's terrific. Almost everyone experiences a stall in weight loss, and in reality you haven't entirely stalled, just slowed down. Keep in mind that the first 7-10 days of weight loss can be water, and so the rate of weight loss is deceiving because the water weight comes off so fast and there's so much loss. In the final analysis, if you stick with your plan you will lose weight. As for starving, you are losing 5 pounds a week. Your body is adapting to it and slowed down. It's natural that it happens, and so you need to not get discouraged and stay on plan. As I said if you stay on plan, you will continue to lose weight. At 425 pounds, 1200-1500 will cause a great deal weight loss. I encourage you to check your estimates carefully. Studies show that people can underestimate calorie intake by as much as 40%. But again, you are losing, it's just slowed down. It will pick up again.

I also suggest you get all the support and expert guidance on your diet and wt loss here at WebMD by checking out the Diet Community and the Weight Loss Clubs. Weight loss is hard on your own and can be a lonely business. The support and guidance will be extremely helpful.

You can post your diet-related questions to the Diet Community:

http://exchanges.webmd.com/diet-exchange

And here's the Food and Fitness Planner (which can help you estimate calorie intake)

http://www.webmd.com/diet/food-fitness-planner/summary

And the exercise calorie counter:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-fitness-calorie-counter

And here's the 100-pound Diet Club. This iwll be extremely helpful for your success.

http://exchanges.webmd.com/dieting-club-100-lbs-exchange

You'll find everything you need to lose weight on all these sites. And of course, feel free to post back to the Fitness and Exercise Community any time you like. The support for exercise can be helpful too.

Congratulations again on taking care fo yourself.

Take care,
Rich
Report This| Share this:The Right Calorie IntakeHi Readjay<br /> <br />Congratulations on starting to take care of yourself, and on the 35 pounds. That's terrific. Almost everyone experiences a stall in weight loss, and in reality you haven't entirely stalled, just slowed down. Keep in mind that the first 7-10 days of weight loss can be water, and so the rate of weight loss is deceiving because the water weight comes off so fast and there's so much loss. In the final analysis, if you stick with your plan you will lose weight. As for starving, you are losing 5 pounds a week. Your body is adapting to it and slowed down. It's natural that it happens, and so you need to not get discouraged and stay on plan. As I said if you stay on plan, you will continue to lose weight. At 425 pounds, 1200-1500 will cause a great deal weight loss. I encourage you to check your estimates carefully. Studies show that people can underestimate calorie intake by as much as 40%. But again, you are losing, it's just slowed down. It will pick up again. <br /> <br />I also suggest you get all the support and expert guidance on your diet and wt loss here at WebMD by checking out the Diet Community and the Weight Loss Clubs. Weight loss is hard on your own and can be a lonely business. The support and guidance will be extremely helpful. <br /> <br />You can post your diet-related questions to the Diet Community:<br /> <br /><a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/diet-exchange"><u><a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/diet-exchange">http://exchanges.webmd.com/diet-exchange</a></u></a> <br /> <br />And here's the Food and Fitness Planner (which can help you estimate calorie intake)<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/food-fitness-planner/summary"><u><a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/food-fitness-planner/summary">http://www.webmd.com/diet/food-fitness-planner/summary</a></u></a> <br /> <br />And the exercise calorie counter:<br /><a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-fitness-calorie-counter"><u><a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-fitness-calorie-counter">http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-fitness-calorie-counter</a></u></a> <br /> <br />And here's the 100-pound Diet Club. This iwll be extremely helpful for your success.<br /> <br /><a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/dieting-club-100-lbs-exchange">http://exchanges.webmd.com/dieting-club-100-lbs-exchange</a> <br /> <br />You'll find everything you need to lose weight on all these sites. And of course, feel free to post back to the Fitness and Exercise Community any time you like. The support for exercise can be helpful too. <br /> <br />Congratulations again on taking care fo yourself.<br /> <br />Take care,<br />Rich
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