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How To Loose Post Pregnancy Weight? How Much Calories Should Be Taken?

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Posted on Sun, 28 Oct 2012
Question: Hello, I am 23 year old feamale, who had a baby a year ago and I am trying to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight which was 105lbs. I was 105lbs without having to exersice or diet, I am nayurally small framed. My current weight is 120lbs and I am 5ft 2inches. I am currently dieting and exercising in order to loose weight. I was wondering what the least amount of calories i should be intaking daily? Is an 800 calorie intake a day too low?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (6 hours later)
Hello
Thanks for the query.
Eating 800 calories a day is too low and unrealistic.
A woman usually sheds half the weight she gained during pregnancy by 6 weeks postpartum. By 6 months, you should be back to your prenatal weight.
 If you’re overweight year or years after having a baby, it’s time to take responsibility and realize your weight is from overeating or due to less physical activity or may be due to hypothyroidism,a condition where your body produces less thyroid hormones.
DO's for you
Eat breakfast so you don’t overeat later in the day to make up for the lost calories. Skipping breakfast also increases your risk of indulging in high-calorie later in the day.

Don't starve yourself to lose weight--instead, substitute your high calorie foods with healthy foods.

Stop buying junk food and high calorie processed foods. Fill your cupboards and refrigerator with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are high in fiber so you feel full longer and ensure you consume an adequate number of calories to stay physically active.

Perform 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every day.However for better fat burning results  you should do 90 minutes of physical activity at a vigorous pace, but  start gradually  and build your endurance before throwing yourself into a vigorous workout routine. Some aerobic activities includes walking, jogging, dancing and swimming.

Get your thyroid hormones tested to look for hypothyroidism.

These lifestyle changes and disciplined exercises should make you able to loose weight gradually.

I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (5 hours later)
I gained 61lbs while i was pregnant and Im 15lbs overweight at the moment. I do not eat any junk food at all, only health food such a veggies, fruits and nuts and i work out for an hour everyday. I have been doing this for a few months now. I eat 800 calories daily. is my body in starvation mode? is this why i have not lost the weight? Also I have lots of extra skin from my pregnancy will this ever go away with exerscise?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (1 hour later)
Hello
Yes I feel your body has gone into starvation mode.
I advise you to have a date with a dietician for prescribing you the proper diet.
The extra loose skin is very unlikely to go now.
Make an appointment with a plastic surgeon. You may consider taking Laser treatments which involve applying heat to the bands beneath the skin's surface to tighten them or go for a tummy tuck which involves  having excess fat and skin surgically removed.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

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How To Loose Post Pregnancy Weight? How Much Calories Should Be Taken?

Hello
Thanks for the query.
Eating 800 calories a day is too low and unrealistic.
A woman usually sheds half the weight she gained during pregnancy by 6 weeks postpartum. By 6 months, you should be back to your prenatal weight.
 If you’re overweight year or years after having a baby, it’s time to take responsibility and realize your weight is from overeating or due to less physical activity or may be due to hypothyroidism,a condition where your body produces less thyroid hormones.
DO's for you
Eat breakfast so you don’t overeat later in the day to make up for the lost calories. Skipping breakfast also increases your risk of indulging in high-calorie later in the day.

Don't starve yourself to lose weight--instead, substitute your high calorie foods with healthy foods.

Stop buying junk food and high calorie processed foods. Fill your cupboards and refrigerator with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are high in fiber so you feel full longer and ensure you consume an adequate number of calories to stay physically active.

Perform 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every day.However for better fat burning results  you should do 90 minutes of physical activity at a vigorous pace, but  start gradually  and build your endurance before throwing yourself into a vigorous workout routine. Some aerobic activities includes walking, jogging, dancing and swimming.

Get your thyroid hormones tested to look for hypothyroidism.

These lifestyle changes and disciplined exercises should make you able to loose weight gradually.

I hope to have answered your query however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks