To think that I understand my own body?

[mylittledoggie]

I've recently lost a bit of weight (always been a healthy weight) and got really into exercise. Running in particular but also gym and cycling.

I'm on the lower end of BMI but quite a small person for my height (small hands, feet, not broad). My diet is quite strict but feel like I'm fuelling my body to do what I need it to do. I feel great!

Getting a lot of negative comments from family! Too skinny, look hagged, not eating right etc. not listening.

I feel good and happier! But should I listen?

Impossible for us to tell - although you could post some pics (disguising your face of course).

I have some sympathy. I put on well over 1.5 stones when I started menopause and was adjusting to HRT. Around that time I also changed jobs. I have since stabilised and lost the weight. I now the same size I have been most of my adult life (maybe a few pounds lighter) and those who have only known me at my bigger size keep asking if I am ok (nicely, not rudely).

I think we've lost sight of what a healthy weight looks like since so many people in our society are overweight. In my case I know I'm healthy because I feel great and my energy is through the roof. I eat less than most people but more than enough to nourish my body - the main difference being that I do not eat UPFs and I do eat plenty of fresh veg and fruit - more volume and nutrition but way fewer calories.

How tall are you?

1500 calories a day for someone super active is very little.

5 foot 8.

You probably aren't seeing what others are seeing. You arent going to build muscle and look toned if you are malnourished and underweight. I think maybe it would be an idea to see your doctor and maybe a good personal trainer with expert nutritional knowledge.

If you have lots of energy, are fit and strong, sleep well, all your bodily functions are working well and you're happy, then no, you shouldn't listen. However if there comes a time when you start to catch everything going, you're tired, breathless, lose your 'glow', experience ailments like headaches, stomach issues or pain, then you need a rethink.

Depending on levels of exercise, your age, your job etc then 1500 calories could be too little.
It obviously is a deficit as you are losing weight.
I have vast experience with a loved one with eating disorders and I can see why your family are worried

@mylittledoggie Are the commenters overweight?

I feel great. If I'm hungry I eat. I run and I work out a lot.

I would say I have a natural pear shape so slim / skinny shoulders and tummy but strong legs / fat bum.

@MissMoan no not really.

1500 calories isn't enough for a tall person who is as physically active as you are.

It would appear they have a point.

youve probably already done this but I’ve been using an online TDEE calculator recently
I think 1500 is probably too little according to TDEE but I would advise consulting someone in person as everyone is different.

You need to increase your protein and calories to build muscle otherwise you will just atrophy.

I have loads of protein. Over 100g a day. But I think I will try added a few more calories to halt the weight loss.

It's probably people who haven't seen you for a while who comment. I'm your height and 8.5 stone, sadly not toned and don't go to the gym! I've always been like this and nobody comments - so it may just be comparative. If you feel healthy and are working out, and have the energy to do that and everything else without feeling shattered, you are most likely ok.

Some people just don't look good thinner, and especially from 40s onward it makes you look older. Also these days people tend to assume you've gone overboard with the weightloss injections more than anything else. But yeah 1500 cals for your height and weight and activity is far too low.

you're underweight

Interesting what sometime said earlier it's the face or the butt! I'd rather have a good body because that's when I feel good. But don't want people telling me I look hagged!!

Like I wouldn't say to them they have a pretty face but a fat arse! No one would say that!

I'm 5 ft 8 and on 1500 calories a day too

....as a calorie deficit to lose weight...and I'm not exercising

Listen to your family and friends

You are displaying the signs of orthorexia

@Newsenmum , Yes, it’s a frustrating reality when you’re middle-aged. I’m 50 and have a couple of friends who do look rather gaunt facially. They’re very fit, but at this age, we’re are losing collagen and our faces can get thin and lined in a way that younger people’s faces don’t. As @StormingNorman says, it’s face or bottom!

Is your family generally vocal and opinionated, OP? Mine is, they comment on everything!

How often do you exercise and for how long ?

@devilspawn Some people just don't look good thinner, and especially from 40s onward it makes you look older.

But it’s the excessive fat that ages you more

Maybe internally, but outward physical appearance I don't agree at all, lack of fat makes wrinkles more prominent and faces look saggy and jowls look more pronounced. It's why people get filler. Every white person I know who's thinner looks a lot older than they are, sometimes even by a decade or more. My mum is a bit overweight and despite eating crap and smoking for 40 years she looks a decade younger than my MIL who is very slim and active. That's only one example, but I'm struggling to think of anyone I know at all who looks older.

@broccolienthusiast Yes, either extreme can be aging. As @devilspawn says, facial lines are the main issue when you’re very thin. Hence the filler!

At that height for a BMI of 18.2 you would be around 120lbs.

If you exercise every day then your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) is 2,300 for that weight.

Even if you were sedentary you would need more than 1500.

I think you've already acknowledged you need to increase your calorie requirement to maintain your weight.

I would reccommend using a TDEE calculator with your exact information which will set you in the right direction.