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524224 tn?1271967768

Quite Confused

Firstly I recognise that I am underweight, my goal isn’t too loose any more but simply maintain my current 43kg 163cm frame without killing myself in the process.  

Please, can someone tell me why every site I look into recommends I eat approximately 1800 calories a day to maintain my current weight, yet I actually consume an average of 900 calories a day and burn more than half that total through daily exercise.  After exercise, my daily calorie intake is generally around 250-300 calories!  I know this because I carefully monitor everything I eat though a food diary, and have discovered that going over this 900 calorie mark makes me gain a lot of weight, very very quickly. You can imagine how much fun I am to take out to dinner when I can hardly eat the froth off a normal meal of steamed veg without massive consequences, let alone enjoy something that actually tastes good. As a consequence of eating and exercising to the point I do, I have ABSOLUTELY no energy what-so-ever. Lately it’s gotten worse, I am now struggling to walk from the car park to the gym, let alone manage the exercise I need in order to maintain my weight.

Knowing I still struggle to maintain my weight at this small intake and have NO energy scares me... Am I an alien or something? Why can’t I eat 1800 calories like everyone else and maintain?
3 Responses
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242532 tn?1269550379
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree with what Jaquta has said to you here....your metabolism is out of whack and you need to see a doctor who specializes in these kind of eating issues.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm sorry for my comments.  I had no right to be so critical and insensitive in my approach.  It was very hypercritical of me too.  I know how hard it can be to address issues and access support.

I hope you find the answers you need.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I understand that you recognize you are underweight.  I personally believe it is a significant problem and believe it needs to be addressed.
Maintaining a very low weight may also kill you as well.

Did you change your user ID?  I was just reading a note someone sent me.  Your previous one was there also.

Comments I would make based on your post?
I believe you put on weight because you restrict your caloric intake so severely.
1800 would be the minimum to maintain normal body functions.  More calories would need to be added to compensate for exercise, etc.
No, not alien -just severely malnourished.  
Possibly at the start of your weight loss program you could have eaten the 1800 and maintained.  The situation is now more complex.

I believe you need to see a doctor and I believe you need to be in an eating disorders clinic.  Now, not next week either!

I think you want help (and desperately need help) but are unable to do that for yourself.
You know this stuff.

I feel angry because I hate what you're doing to yourself.  You also remind me of myself when I was younger.  My calorie intake was less than 400.
I'm also ?angry with myself (not you) because I've flopped to the other extreme and are now overweight.  Lose/ gain, lose/ gain -it's a nightmare!!

You seriously need to do something about this or you'll end up killing yourself.
I'm not apologizing for the use of strong language because you need to see that you have a problem and it needs addressing.
I'm sure the doctor will be more PC.  I just don't know how to reach you.

I'm extremely concerned for you.  I was months ago too.
The doctor will be impartial.  I implore that you listen to his comments and any advice he may offer.

Take care.
Helpful - 0

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