800 Calories a Day: Is it Safe and Sustainable for Weight Loss?

If you’re looking to lose weight, you might have come across the 800 calorie diet. It’s a low-calorie diet in which you consume just 800 calories per day. The goal of this diet is to achieve a significant and fast weight loss by essentially starving the body.

But is it safe and sustainable? Let’s find out.

Why 800 calories?

The 800 calorie diet is based on the concept of a very low-calorie diet (VLCD). VLCDs were originally developed in the 1970s as a way to help people lose weight quickly before undergoing surgery. These diets typically provide 800 to 1200 calories per day.

The idea behind VLCDs is that by drastically reducing calorie intake, the body will turn to fat stores for energy, leading to rapid weight loss. However, VLCDs are typically administered under strict medical supervision, as they can have serious health implications if not done correctly.

Potential benefits

One potential benefit of the 800 calorie diet is that it can lead to significant and fast weight loss. This can be motivating for those who are struggling to lose weight through other methods. Furthermore, it can lead to improvements in certain health markers, such as blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

However, it’s worth noting that the weight loss achieved on the 800 calorie diet is largely due to water weight and muscle loss, as opposed to fat loss. This can have negative implications for long-term weight management and overall health.

Potential risks

There are several potential risks associated with the 800 calorie diet. Firstly, it’s a very low-calorie diet, which means that it doesn’t provide enough energy and nutrients for the body to function properly. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a weakened immune system.

Furthermore, the 800 calorie diet can lead to muscle loss. This is because the body will turn to muscle tissue for energy if it’s not getting enough calories from food. Muscle loss can have negative implications for long-term weight management, as muscle is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Finally, the 800 calorie diet can lead to disordered eating behaviors. Restrictive diets like this can promote an unhealthy relationship with food and lead to binge eating or other eating disorders.

Alternatives

If you’re looking to lose weight, there are safer and more sustainable methods than the 800 calorie diet. Firstly, aim to lose weight gradually, at a rate of around 1 to 2 pounds per week. This can be achieved through a balanced and varied diet that provides enough energy and nutrients while creating a calorie deficit.

Furthermore, regular exercise can help you achieve your weight loss goals while also promoting overall health and wellness. Finally, seek support from a registered dietitian or other health professional to create a personalized weight loss plan that takes into account your individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 800 calorie diet is not a safe or sustainable method for weight loss. While it may lead to short-term weight loss, it can have serious health implications and promote unhealthy eating behaviors. Instead, focus on gradual weight loss through a balanced diet and regular exercise, and seek support from a health professional if needed.