I've been attempting to go on 1,200 calories a day. Some sources I've looked into say that this is the absolute least amount of calories anyone should have. I'm just Curious if anyone knows if I could go on anything less than 1,200 and still lose weight without my body going into that ever talked about "Starvation Mode"

No.

Why the need to cut the calories so low? Haven't you been able to lose on much higher?

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As I just said in your welcome thread - read the stickied thread in this forum -and get rid of the concept of 1200 calorie diets...

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When you think about losing weight, it is better to think about changing your lifestyle so the weight loss is permanent and not just temporary.

No one would that I know of would ever be able to maintain 1,200 calories for a long time. So eventually you would gain weight back.

I was able to lose 40lbs in 3 months eating 2200-2500 calories per day. Obviously I included a lot of exercise such as running, tennis, and biking. But my diet has changed a lot to include healthy foods such as whole wheat, fruits, veggies, lean meats. I wasn't starving either. Now in order to maintain my weight I have to eat closer to 3,000 calories per day. It is all a pretty simple balance of calories in vs calories used.

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You would still lose weight if you went below 1200kcal a day but it wouldn't be healthy to do that.

I disagree that 1200kcal is always too low... I think it depends on your stats and activity level. I'm on 1200kcal atm but my maintenance calorie requirement is only about 1600kcal and I'm not exercising at the moment because I'm injured. I think a good rule of thumb is don't cut more than 500kcal off your maintenance calorie requirement (which you can estimate with bmr calculators).

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That's just it. I hardly exercise at all. I am able to get maybe a 15 minute walk in once everyday (if I'm lucky). I've been on 1,200 calories for the last 3 weeks and I don't feel starved or constantly hungry. Contrary to that sometimes I have to force myself to eat because I'm worried if I don't eat enough my metabolism is going to get mixed up. So if I don't feel the need to eat is it harmful to get less than 1,200 calories?

I also think that IT IS possible to lose weight if you are on 1200 cal. I let myself down often by eating low calories and I have very good progress at the same time. HOWEVER it is EXTREMELY unhealthy and will damage your health eventually. Occassional low days are ok, every now and then on 1200 is not a big deal but you have to rethink your daily routine.

Yes, it is considered harmful to not get enough fuel to feed your organs. Apparently from what I've read you dont really get enough nutrients and calories for your body to work properly on less than 1200 calories.

The goal is to eat as much as possible and still lose weight on a steady basis.

So you were maintaining your weight on 1600 calories per day?

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Well I think the idea is that instead of eating the calories needed to function your hoping your body burns fat to sustain your body. I have tried and think it's foolish. You can't survive on that for the rest of your life unless your a little person.

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Never give up.

Well, according to fitday, I'm eating 500 calories per day. I should be dead by now.

Well you can survive on 0 calories for 30 days. I doubt you've been eating only 500 calories for very long.

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Never give up.

I hate poking my nose in on issues like this,but I have used 1,200 cals for a long time now andit works great I even feel I get alot of food for the calories cuz I have researched and knowing by heart how much of something I can have and the cals ect.I say if you are not feeling deprived and not feeling starved and keep it right at or above 1,200 then go for it.TAMMY

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Back in Shape "Jan 2009" Miss U all

Tammy, we were responding to the question of whether she can safely go below 1200 calories, which I think we all agree is not a good idea. I mean WHY does one have to eat below 1200 calories to lose weight? Aren't you losing on the 1200? If not then you should see a doctor because I would think there was something wrong.

Hence my question to mastersync, can't you lose weight on more than 500 calories? If not, you should see a doctor cuz that's pathetic. Actually it sounds pathetic that you dont realize that the damage done to your body is not visible from the outside right away. Eat some food.

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On freedieting.com, the calorie cycling for extreme fat loss puts me on some days at under 1100 calories. I wanted to do it, but not if its not safe. Why would it say that?

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