calories to maintain current weight

I came across a government website about calorie intake. It has a calculator where you can determine your current caloric needs for height and weight to maintain your current weight. It said that according to my stats, I would need to eat 2400 calories per day to maintain my weight. And, since 3500 calories equals a pound of weight lost, the website recommends cutting 500 calories per day. Currently, I strive to stay 1500-1600 per day. Plus, I exercise 3-4 times per week for 30-40 minutes. So, my question is this: any thoughts on why I don't lose weight if I eat more than 1600 calories per day? I notice that if I eat 1700-1800 calories per day, say, on the weekends, I don't lose. Wouldn't it seem that the weight should still come off, as the calories are significantly reduced? Appreciate your input...

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Tue. Jul 31, 11:05pm

This may depend on how long you have been on the reduced calorie diet. Your body may have adjusted to eating that few of calories and now doesn't have the need for the extras.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007, 11:12 PM

My problem is that every website gives a different number, it can vary by as much as 1000 calories, I"m not kidding! Thinking of seeing a nutritionist to get some solid answers to this same question.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007, 11:26 PM

the problem with those web sites is that it takes into account basic things like weight and height, but nothing else. Depending on your metablolism, BMI (the real one, not the pick from a chart one), age and other factors you burn a different amount of calories. Your body has probably slowed your metabolism to compensate for the reduction. Try eating like 2000 for a few days, then dropping back down- It might seem like you are gaining weight but its only water weight.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 12:13 AM

Hey that’s a good idea talking to a nutritionist to figure things out when you are ready to maintain . . .. that is an area I struggle with.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 12:18 AM

I have the same problem! I never know if I am eating too much or too little. I want to lose weight, but I don't want to slow my metabolism down. If I were you, I would try to squeeze in a strength training workout on the weekend. Muscle helps burn those 1500 calories that you eat. I would also make sure you are calculating correctly. And experiment with your diet. Ralph Waldo Emerson always said "Life is an experiment." Try varying your intake of food each day. This will awaken your metabolism and make it work harder.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 9:22 AM

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