What is considered too few calories

[kirinm]

I’ve finally managed to stick to reducing my food consumption for more than a day and am seeing some good results. It’s early days and so I’m sure some of it is water weight but it is motivating me to keep going which is what I need.

I’m not exactly calorie counting - I’ve got a rough idea but don’t particularly want to weigh things and do the maths - but also don’t want to be eating too little.

I am 5ft6 and weigh 15 stone so fall into the obese category. Is 1200 calories too little or can I get away with that level for a while?

Hi @SpudGunToo don’t worry it is easy to get confused. I used an online TDEE calculator, but I did say Basal Metabolic Rate was 1650.

It’s absolutely great if cutting hard works for you and you have the self control to keep it up. Unfortunately for many people, including myself, going below your BMR isn’t sustainable for more than a very short period, even a few days.

I wouldn't lose weight on 1200 a day. But that's my messed up, post meno metabolism. If you're losing well on it, great! Might have to cut down lower later.

I was heavier than you at my starting point, my TDEE was around 2100 per day.

I try and stick to approx 1500 and so far have lost 16lbs in 9 weeks.

It was this bit “A quick TDEE calculation says the OP’s basal metabolic rate is 1650. Her body needs this every day for normal body function like hormone production.”

That’s not correct, you can eat below your TDEE and still maintain normal hormone production.

And please don’t now play a semantic game of saying the claim was that you only need to match it; the cloak was clearly that it was a minimum to maintain normal function which is not correct.

@SpudGunToo what you’ve quoted clearly says Basal Metabolic Rate “the OP’s basal metabolic rate is 1650”. It’s right there.

No you don't. BMR and TDEE are different. You need a deficit from your TDEE to lose weight.

You haven't read it properly :/

I’ve dropped 24lbs in 36 days having 800…it isn’t sustainable long term though so I’ll have to up this shortly though. It does come off if you eat very little, it’s just becomes less healthy.