Will my body go into starvation mode?

[Anonymous]

So recently I have lost a bit of weight (about 6 pounds). I'm really happy about it actually. The thing is, I've noticed I've been eating less than I normally would. Like, a lot less. I'm only eating when I'm hungry and trying to avoid emotional eating and sugary foods. Daily, I'm eating 200-700 calories a day. It varies. Will my body go into starvation mode if I continue to do this?
This week, I've only had about 2,420 calories... Is that safe?

[Coverdid]

Depending on how much you move in a day, it's never a great idea to eat under 1000-1200 calories (especially for an extended period of time). The more you eat in such a large deficit the more likely you'll binge and regain any weight/fat you lost. Also, if you continue to eat in such a large deficit, be aware that you will be lighter because:

1-less food volume means there is less weight in your body
2-less food volume (specifically carbs) means less water your body is holding on to.

When you start eating a normal about of food again you will likely gain back 2-4 pounds of weight for the above reasons.

You should really check out this Leigh Peele's starvation mode video.

[Asker]

Thank you so much for the advice.

[lumos]

No it's not safe. Your daily calorie intake should be around 1500 calories. Your organs will fail if you don't eat properly. You might end up dying from a heart attack. Only eating when you're hungry and avoiding emotional eating is good, but you're not eating enough during your normal meals. You need to eat 3 times a day and with decently sized portions that contain lots of different foods.

[lumos]

Starving yourself is literally the worst and least sustainable way to lose weight. You will feel like shit, look like shit (lose hair, break nails, get ugly teeth, bad skin) and your health will deteriorate. You might eventually die. Losing weight by eating proper, healthy food and by exercising is way more rewarding, even if it requires a bit more effort. You'll feel good, you'll look good and most importantly, you'll be healthy.

[Asker]

Thank you so much

[dogbert444]

No, it isn't safe! If your calorie intake is less than what you burn, you will continue losing weight as you burn off any fat you have left. When there's no more fat, your body will start to shutdown in order to conserve energy. This is a dangerous situation, the same as faced by anorexics.

[Asker]

Thanks for telling me.

[dogbert444]

Always welcome. If need be, please seek help with this. It can escalate very quickly.

[dogbert444]

Thanks for MHG!

[RachelBrigs]

Do you know why you have to eat to survive?

Your body needs calories, as well protein, and other maconutrients to carry out your biological functions. You also need vitamins and minerals. You cannot get what your body needs by eating so little.

You don't have to basically starve yourself to lose weight.

[RachelBrigs]

Oh and another user brought up the anorexia thing.

Anorexics suffer lifelong consequences from periods of starvation. Your body, desperate for a fuel source, begins to eat away at your muscles, including your heart. Living this way can actually kill you.

[Asker]

Thank you for the advise. I didn't know.

[RachelBrigs]

Well I hope you take care of yourself okay? If you want advice/tips you can message me. I can tel you how to lose weight without hurting your body.

But do you even need to lose weight?

[Asker]

*advice wow, that bothered me more than it should've.

[Asker]

Umm, I don't think I do. I'm currently 102 pounds and I'm 5 ft 2 in.

[RachelBrigs]

Depending on your body composition you should probably be 100-120 lbs maybe even more. I am your height and I think I look healthiest at 110-115.

I think you have an eating disorder

[Asker]

Alright, I'm glad I asked this question. I'll gradually increase my calorie intake and eat more. Thank you so much. :)