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Is It Safe To Have Low Calorie Diet With History Of Osteoporosis?
Question: Hi Dr. Rynne
I am on a diet in which I am only taking in 500-600 calories a day. I am a 58 year-old woman, who has had a difficult time losing weight. I'm 5'1" tall (was 5'3"), but I have suffered compression fractures in my back, due to seizures I had during my sleep in April. I also have Osteoporosis. I have lost about 8 lbs. on this diet, so I now weigh about 144, but 125 would be a healthy weight for me. Is this low number of calories unhealthy? I lose a pound or two, and then my weight keeps hitting a plateau. I am wondering if my body is holding onto the weight, because I am not eating enough calories. I am on Fosamax, soon to change to Prolia, and I am on Dilantin as well. What can you tell me about the low # of calories?
I am on a diet in which I am only taking in 500-600 calories a day. I am a 58 year-old woman, who has had a difficult time losing weight. I'm 5'1" tall (was 5'3"), but I have suffered compression fractures in my back, due to seizures I had during my sleep in April. I also have Osteoporosis. I have lost about 8 lbs. on this diet, so I now weigh about 144, but 125 would be a healthy weight for me. Is this low number of calories unhealthy? I lose a pound or two, and then my weight keeps hitting a plateau. I am wondering if my body is holding onto the weight, because I am not eating enough calories. I am on Fosamax, soon to change to Prolia, and I am on Dilantin as well. What can you tell me about the low # of calories?
Brief Answer:
Unsafe
Detailed Answer:
Very low calorie diets like the one you are on are not deemed safe, and should be under close medical supervision , if undertaken.
This is to be able to monitor for side effects such as nutritional deficiencies.
Moreover, they are difficult to sustain in the long term. Typically the individual is unable to continue it long term and the weight comes right back.
So in addition to be medically not-recommended, it is also not practical.
With your osteoporosis history, you need to be on adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. I see your BMI is about 27.5 and you can benefit from some weight loss to aim for a healthier BMI but you should be careful not to become underweight because that also raises the risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture.
Unsafe
Detailed Answer:
Very low calorie diets like the one you are on are not deemed safe, and should be under close medical supervision , if undertaken.
This is to be able to monitor for side effects such as nutritional deficiencies.
Moreover, they are difficult to sustain in the long term. Typically the individual is unable to continue it long term and the weight comes right back.
So in addition to be medically not-recommended, it is also not practical.
With your osteoporosis history, you need to be on adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D. I see your BMI is about 27.5 and you can benefit from some weight loss to aim for a healthier BMI but you should be careful not to become underweight because that also raises the risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. Topiwala, especially for the information regarding my osteoporosis.
How many calories should I take in per day to maintain a healthy weight loss?
Also, what would be a reasonable number of lbs. to lose each week?
How many calories should I take in per day to maintain a healthy weight loss?
Also, what would be a reasonable number of lbs. to lose each week?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It would really help if you consulted a dietitian in person.
In general I advise cutting 500 calories a day from the usual intake, which will result in an average weight loss of 1 pound per week.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It would really help if you consulted a dietitian in person.
In general I advise cutting 500 calories a day from the usual intake, which will result in an average weight loss of 1 pound per week.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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