What happens if a person does not consume enough calories?

Question

In our college wellness class we had to do a nutritional analysis. I found out I only consume 65% of the calorie levels I should. I do not diet, I just do not eat a lot of meat and I have a very small appetite. I have consistently been 107 lbs for at least 5 years. My activity level is not sedentary, it is mildly active. What happens if I am not getting enough calories? I am obviously not losing weight. How can I make sure I get enough calories? Is it a bad problem that I don't have an appetite to get in all those calories?

I am 5'4.

Lightly active, definitely not sedentary.

It says I need 1,650 calories a day.

I definitely do not have anorexia...I wrote this because I am worried about not getting enough calories!

Answer 1

you didn't specify what parameters were used in your nutritional analysis. Standard formulas don't account for differences in metabolic rates.
As long as you feel strong and energetic, and seem to "bounce back" well from illness and injury I wouldn't worry too much. Do eat very well, rather than empty calories, to take care of yourself.

Answer 2

you seem to have struck a balance with your intake and metabolism. if you keep this up then you may lose a pound here and there but nothing drastic. besides, putting on weight is much easier than taling it off. if either your intake or activity change, then you will see some results both postive or negative. your intake increases and your activity stays the same, you'll most likely gain some weight. your activity increases and your intake remains the same, you'll lose weight. those charts or tables that guess what someone your height, your weight etc are just estimates. these error on the safe side since it's health related but since you're not really seeing any major changes in your body then there;s no real point in increasing your intake unless you also increase your activity level.

Answer 3

If you don't get your recommended calories, you typically lose weight. However, you have to take into the consideration that it is the RECOMMENDED calories, not exact, ok? Does that make sense? Everyperson is different, so, just because the book says you should consume this much calories and you arent doing that, it does not mean anything. If you all of a sudden start losing weight or gaining weight, then, you should start to evaluate how many calories you should be consuming. Just eat healthy and don't starve yourself. you will be fine! Good luck....

Answer 4

Calories are equal to Energy.

The main effects of low calories reflects in our body as low Energy, but there are many lateral effects from low level of vitamins, high risk and exposure to virus and infections. Without mentioning the possible Anorexia that could psychologically be kept while a long period of a low calorie diet is done.

Answer 5

as your weight is stable, I wouldn't worry so much about the calories as I would about adequate nutrients. Make sure that the food you do eat includes something from all the food groups, and you might consider taking a multivitamin.

Answer 6

What happens ? At first! the human body is a kind of boiler. If you not consume your calories, they remain and become grease. If you does not consome enough, you lose calories, grease and weight !

Answer 7

Maybe, as long as your doctor (on a physical) says you're alright then you are. Your height would have helped me say what's what.

Answer 8

you lose weight ( if you are not then you are getting enough - be aware that all of these charts are generalizations or just plain wrong )

Answer 9

you're only midly active... that means you don't need as many calories. i'd say tthat your intake is alright... but if you don't eat enough.. you can be malnurished...

Answer 10

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