30 Seconds Summary3 Shocking Reasons you could Gain Weight on less than 1000 calories a day
- Metabolic adaptation occurs when you eat less, reducing your total energy expenditure (TEE) which means even on a diet, your body adjusts and burns fewer calories than expected.
- Misreporting calorie intake is common; small, unlogged items like sauces or slight mismeasurements can add significant calories, putting you over your calorie budget.
- Stress and insufficient rest can lead to hormonal changes (e.g., increased cortisol) which can cause water retention, making it appear as if you are not losing or even gaining weight.
- Effective strategies for accurate weight loss include: using a food scale, keeping detailed food diaries, considering food image factors in reports, and ensuring all foods are logged.
- Underlying physiological changes like increased stress levels and adaptive thermogenesis can be mitigated by maintaining balanced macronutrients, managing training intensity, and periodically eating at maintenance caloric levels.
- Even on very low calories, factors like stress, inaccurate calorie tracking, and bodily adaptations can lead to unexpected weight maintenance or gains.
Revive Stronger
Steve Hall
