Monday, February 13, 2012
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 melanie asks

Q: I need 1400 calories a day to maintain weight.i want to lose a pound a day,how many calories a day

I need 1400-1700 calories a day to maintain my weight but i would like to lose a pound a day so how many calories a day should i have to lose a pound a day? Thanks, melanie

Answer This
Answers (2)
7/ 4/08 8:23am

okay, im not an exert or anything but..here's somethings i researched.

 

first, it would not be wise to go under 1200 (just so you know)

 

of my knowledge, to lose about a lb a day, you may need to cut out 300-500 calories from the amount of calories you need to maintain your weight.

 

..hope this helps.

you can email me if you want. thanks

smcsushiapple@yahoo.com

Reply
9/18/09 4:42am

Hi Melanie-

 

While I am not a health or nutrition expert, loosing 1 pound per day is not healthy, or really even possible unless you are gravely ill.

 

1 pound of fat is 3600 calories, and if you are eating less than this, you would need to starve, and you still would not necessarily loose one pound per day. But, you didnt gain that weight one pound per day either......so maybe a little patience with yourself?

 

Also, there is alot of research that shows that people who loose weight too fast set themselves up to be FATTER than people who loose weight slowly. Thats because too quick weight loss is not sustainable, and causes your body to take protective measures to protect itself from starvation- the cruel truth is that if you drop your calories too low, it will cause your body to PERMANENTLY burn calories more slowly and gain weight more easily. Also, you open yourself up to illness due to the extreme stress that puts on your body, and when you gain weight again (and you will if you try to loose 1 pound a day), it will be much harder to loose it the second time. Your metabolism is smart, and doesnt have the same idea of what looks good as you do.

 

So please please please give yourself a break and, and try to loose the weight slowly, by eating healthy and excercising. I guarantee you, you will feel and look much better.

 

PS- 1 to 2 lbs a week is a good amount to aim for- any more than 3 lbs a week will trigger a series of 'starvation response' reactions in your metabolism. Good luck !

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (2273) >