What are the side-effects of eating less than 1000 calories/day?
Most people who are on a diet try to limit their food intake to less than 600 calories. But experts say that an average person must consume 1,200 to 2,600 calories everyday, and people who are more active must take more.
In this article i want to discuss some of the side effects you are likley to experience if you take in less than 1000 calories/day.
5 Side-Effects You Might Rather Do Without
Decrease in energy levels and mood swings: Usually, when a person doesn't have sufficient caloric intake, signs such as loss of energy and irritability are visible simply because there is not enough food to be converted into fuel that is needed to stay active. Blood levels will also decrease when there is not enough food. When this happens, the person will be unable to focus and will feel weak. Anxiety, listlessness, and anger are the more obvious signs of this effect.
Cravings for unhealthy food will be frequent: Because there is not enough food intake, the stomach will send signals to the brain that it is hungry, thus, causing the individual to eat. And because less food may mean rapid drop in blood sugar levels, the individual may experience craving for unhealthy food, sabotaging their diets.
Loss of muscle and slowing down of the metabolism: When there are not enough calories in the body, the digestive system will compensate by slowing down the metabolism. When a person who has an active lifestyle eats less calories, instead of just burning fat, the person will also lose muscle mass aswell.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition happens when a person does not have enough nutrients because of a lack of food intake. Results of this condition can include a weakened immune system, general weakness, depression, poor skin, heart and lung problems, muscle weakness, anemia, and digestive problems.
Other side effects: According to research done by the University of Washington, several side effects of inadequate caloric intake are cold and clammy hands and feet, nausea and vomiting, constipation, headaches, dizziness, hypothermia, irritability, edema, and hypoglycemia. This eating pattern, when continued for a long time, may even cause serious complications such as nerve compression, renal failure, bowel obstruction and anemia.
How can I make sure I avoid these side-effects?
Professionals suggest that before forming a weight-loss plan, one should first consult his or her doctor about the adequate caloric intake that is needed. According to studies, a healthy rate of weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds a week. If you're trying to lose more than this - then you may be setting yourself up for some of the side-effects listed above.
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