Diet and Nutrition

1200 calories too few if exercise a lot?

10/04/2008 11:45PM

Question:

Hello, I am dieting and have been told many times that going under 1200 calories a day can slow your metabolism--and therefore sabatoge your weight loss efforts. However, if I am running 4.5 miles a day (5 days a week) is it possible that I am slowing my metabolism by eating 1200-1350 calories a day? In other words, if your activity level is high, does the 1200 calorie rule still apply?
(I know that most people suggest eating 500 calories fewer than you need a day to lose weight, but like everyone else, I want to loose weight as fast as possible. So how low can I go?) Thank you!

Answer:

You likely are depressing your metabolism at that low of a consumption. Most folks would lose weight more healthily by consuming about 1700-1800 and running that mileage. If you don't fuel the muscle reasonably, you don't feel as fresh and you are setting yourself up for injury. It is best to lose your weight slowly with a lifestyle you can maintain so you can maintain your weight loss. Folks that lose weight quickly usually have a hard time keeping that weight off in the long term.

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Response by:

Jackie Buell, PhD, RD/LD, ATC, LAT
Director of Sports Nutrition
Department of Human Nutrition
College of Education and Human Ecology
The Ohio State University