Why am I so fat if I hardly ever eat?

Question

I eat less a day than my 6 year old daughter, yet I'm fat as a whale. I can't figure it out.

Oh, I'm 6 feet tall and weigh 275. I don't like to exercise because I'm always sooooo tired.

Answer 1

When you don't eat, your body goes into 'starvation mode'. It begins to prepare for your not eating and turns everything you do consume directly into fat so that it has enough energy to sustain your life. It also depends upon what it is you are eating. High-sugar and high-fat foods have little to no nutritional value and cause weight issues. If you want to lose weight, eat 6 or 7 small meals throughout the day, focusing mainly on fruits, vegetables and healthy grains. Lots of cardio will do wonders, as well.

Answer 2

Your metabolism has adjusted to your decreased intake. The worst thing a person can do if they are overweight is to skip meals. Your body is trying to conserve calories, so has adjusted metabolism to do so. The more you starve yourself, the less calories your body will use to perform the same functions. You first need to have a balanced diet, consisting of primarily fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy nuts (containing 'healthy fats'). The closer to their natural form you can eat your fruits and vegetables, the more nutrients you will get. Commercial animal products and processed foods, refined sugars and fats are your enemies (need I say soda pop is out). If you can get your digestive tract functioning properly, you will be off to a good start. Meats and most animal products are hard on your digestive tract. Yogurt seems to be one exception (in moderation).

But you also need to pay attention to your water intake (at least 8 to 10 glasses of pure water daily-more is better unless you have been placed on fluid restriction by your Dr. due to a medical condition.) This water needs to be 'sipped' throughout the day, not guzzled. Other fluid intake helps, but water taken in between meals is best for you.

Exercise is arguably one of the best ways to adjust your metabolism. Walk at least 30-60 minutes a day (if able) or work your way up to it. Talk to your Dr. first if you have any medical condition. If you walk outdoors, you will get 2 more essentials to good health, fresh air (hopefully) and sunshine.

Adequate sleep cannot be left out of the equation. Go to bed as early as possible, and the sleep will be more effective. Hours slept before midnight are more beneficial than hours after midnight. If you can't sleep 7.5 to 9 hours a night (at the same time every night), then try taking a 30 minute nap during the day. Studies have shown this can increase your productivity (no matter what you are doing).

Faith also plays a part in good health, as does support and encouragement from your loved ones.

By the way, as your metabolism improves, so will your energy. The old saying 'if you don't use it, you lose it' holds true here.

Answer 3

The causes are:

* Overeating
Eating too much food or eating the wrong foods. One common trigger of overeating is emotion. Do you ever eat more when you're down? When you're up?

* Lack of exercise
This can be caused by the nature of the job you have. For example, many people these days have an "office job". Some people just have a sedentary lifestyle - they sit around the couch and don't get involved in physical activity.

* Hereditary factors
Your genes could be working against you. Some people seem to gain weight easily, and others seem to be able to eat a lot more without gaining weight. Genes can also control your appetite.

Answer 4

you answered your own question. you eat less than your 6 year old but probably weigh at least 3-4x a much. if you don't eat enough to sustain the basic daily biological functions the metabolic rate slows, the body burns less fat for energy and stores more of what you do eat when you do. it's called starvation mode and is the most basic function of human biology.

here is a quick and dirty method to determine the minimum amount of calories that you need to ingest on a daily basis.

take your body weight and divide that by 2.2 and multiply that by 24.

so based on the example weight of 150 lbs it would be:

(150 / 2.2) x 24 = 1636 cals a day would be the bare minimum for a 150 lb person with average body fat.

Answer 5

You don't say how much you weigh or how tall you are. So, I'll go with what you say.

You have to be eating the wrong things if you are that overweight. And the most important thing----you are NOT exercising. That combination WILL make you gain weight.

You have to eat. It's what you eat and how much. If you eat lean protein, lots of vegetables, whole grains and lots of fruit---you should be eating about 1,200-1,400 calories a day. Add at least 1 hour of brisk walking a day (I mean brisk walking---put your butt into it---EVERY day) it is IMPOSSIBLE not to lose weight.
Remember, you are not going to lose 30 lbs. in a week. It took time to gain all that weight, it will take time to lose it. So stick with it. Do not expect magic or miracles. If you eat right and exercise....you WILL lose weight.

Answer 6

It could be your metabolism, maybe your not eating the right foods either. Or maybe you should see your doctor if you are severely overweight and absolutely can't lose any between diet and exercise... it could be more serious. Or maybe like a thyroid? problem. Good Luck! and stay healthy

Answer 7

your body has gotton use to it... ur metabolism is slow... it stores alot of fat because it knows that u wont eat again till a long while later... its eating 6 small portions a day... not eating two large portions a day that will make u lose weight...