Why do I gain weight when I go on a reduced calorie diet?

When I eat normally I usually consume around 1500 to 1800 calories a day and pretty much eat whatever I want reasonably (and maintain my current weight). But lately I've been wanting to loose a few pounds so I'll eat anywhere from 800 to 1200 calories a day. However when I restrict like that I gain weight! Like I'll eat good all week (drop a few pounds) then I'll eat normally and gain it all back (and sometimes even a little more!). I'm on my feet all day and if it helps I'm 5'8 and 145 pounds.

How to Lose Weight Gain Muscle

Recommended Answer:

When you starve your self your body will go into starvation mode and cling onto fat cells because it thinks that it needs to save itself from starving. 800 calories is far too little to be eating and will not do you any good. Even if you do lose weight from eating 800 calories a day, you will be losing MUSCLE, not FAT.This is why you put all the weight back on. Muscle burns more calories than fat so you do not want to lose your muscle. This is why light weight lifting is a really good form of excersise to lose weight. to lose fat you need to eat healthily and nourish your body with enough energy! a healthy diet consists of 80 percent clean eating & 20 percent indulgence.

Other Answers:

• Calories aren't the only factor in weight gain / loss. Your body has been conditioned to needing 1500-1800 calories in order to function properly. This means your metabolism rate. By decreasing the amount of calories, you are slowing down your metabolism. Your digestive system slows down and in turn you do not create as much waste. If it seems like you are going to the bathroom as you usually did with the 1500-1800 calories, it may just be less at a time. And the type of calories you're getting matters, too. You can be on a 500 calorie diet and still gain weight if those calories are from fat or sugar. Make sure your calorie intake is from vegetables, fruits, some dairy, and very small portions of lean meats. Try to stay away from breads and pastas. Although they may have some new types out there that are less calories, they are still high in carbs and fats.