starvation mode

[SheriD44]

I am 16 years old and weigh about 320. I have been eating about 2000 calories a day and I have lost 30 lbs. I wanted to know if I cut my calorie intake to 1200 per day would my body go into what they call starvation mode and my metabolism slow down and make me loose slower. I want to weight 135 and I figure that is what I will be eating when I get down to that weight to maintain it. Would this work or should I lower my calorie intake slower?

[Dr. Joshua]

If you limit your calorie intake to less than 1200 a day for several weeks, your body will indeed go into starvation mode and start saving energy and therefore the weight loss rate will slow down. On the other hand, your weight loss rate will still be higher than if you take in 2000 calories per day. Also, you can try to "fool" your body by moderately increasing your calorie intake for a few days every few weeks, and hope that the starvation mode will be switched off, then go back to the low calorie regimen. I don't think this tactic has been scientifically verified, but it has been used with success, and I think it's logical.

It's great that you're losing weight - remember to talk to your own doctor before initiating any significant calorie restrictions!

I wrote a short overview of very low calorie diets here:
http://vlcd.info

[amanda]

I probably agree with Dr. Joshua. Then you don't have to do it instantly. Your body might get stress, and all I can suggest is to take it slowly and consult specialist so that you won't encounter problem as you plan to lose some weight. Good luck ;)

[nichole]

You can't just surprise you body with starvation cause your body can't just instantly adjust. You have to take it slowly so that your body won't get stress as what amanda said. Our body will recognized our daily carbs and calories intake. Then if you suddenly lower down then it will lead into abrupt changes. That leads into different symptoms.

[candy]

I am 16 years old and weigh about 320. I have been eating about 2000 calories a day and I have lost 30 lbs. I wanted to know if I cut my calorie intake to 1200 per day would my body go into what they call starvation mode and my metabolism slow down and make me loose slower. I want to weight 135 and I figure that is what I will be eating when I get down to that weight to maintain it. Would this work or should I lower my calorie intake slower?

hey please tell me your 320 weight is in pounds or something another.