The 1200 calorie "rule"

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2006
The 1200 calorie "rule"
4
Thu, 05-04-2006 - 7:51am

Hello, all--

Went to my nutritionist yesterday, and asked her about the no-less-than-1200-calories-a-day rule. Turns out that this "rule" is really a general guideline for nutritionists/weight loss professionals... if a client wants/needs to be on a <1200 cal diet for more than a week, they should/must consult a physician (depending on which type of dragon you're dealing with). I think my nutritionist is pretty well-versed in her specialty (lots of continuing ed, etc.), but also think she may have been less forthcoming about this if she thought I was considering very-low-calorie for myself.

The "rule" is unrelated to your current weight. Below 1200 calories, it's just extremely difficult to get the nutrients your body needs to function properly (protein/carbs/vitamins/fiber, etc.), which can in turn throw some systems out of whack. Apparently, gallstones become a big concern-- cholesterol production can go into overdrive. I was more worried about impaired brain function (heard this about too few carbs!) and long-term damage to my metabolism. Must burn that food!

The metabolic shut-down theory is (according to her) based on empirical evidence, but no one has proven the mechanism. I gleaned that she herself feels it's less likely to be a problem for the obese (BMI over 30), and her concern was more that it is not a sustainable lifestyle-- there will inevitably be rebounding to some extent, and you're not learning healthy life habits during this period.

So I won't freak out the next time someone tells me they're on a very-low calorie diet (although I'll hope they're following medical advice). Me, I'm going to stick with the shooting-for-1200-to-1300 calories a day plan. That's tough enough!

Misha

PS-- The magic number for men is 1500; sorry to be so gender-focused if there are any guys out there!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-31-2005
Thu, 05-04-2006 - 9:11am
Misha, thanks for that information.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2006
Thu, 05-04-2006 - 2:33pm
I absolutely agree-- and was happy to have one less thing to worry about! Isn't it nice not to feel deprived, but still lose weight?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
Thu, 05-04-2006 - 7:34pm
See thats what I was saying I felt like I was eating alot for less
I am eating 3 mini meals and 2-3 lowfat snacks all spread out and
drinking lots of water ( which I love) and I am satisified and it's
totaling adverage 850-900 calories.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Mon, 05-08-2006 - 6:30am

Thanks for the info Misha...


>>>So I won't freak out the next time someone tells me they're on a very-low calorie diet (although I'll hope they're following medical advice). Me, I'm going to stick with the shooting-for-1200-to-1300 calories a day plan. That's tough enough!<<<


That's exactly the case here :)

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