Risks of Low-Calorie Diets

Your resting metabolic rate makes up most of the energy you need to consume from food. Your body needs energy to perform basic biological functions, like digestion, breathing, and pumping blood. Eating too few calories won’t allow your body to function properly in the following ways:

Not getting enough nutrients

Consuming enough nutrients in your diet is important for long term health. For example, calcium is stored in your bones until age 30, then your body stops gaining bone mass, and you must either get calcium from your diet or break down bone tissue to release calcium. If you are not consuming enough calories, you are most likely not consuming enough of most nutrients, leading to deficiencies.

Metabolism slows

When you don’t consume enough calories, your body will go into starvation mode, causing metabolism to slow in an attempt to conserve energy. Signs of slow metabolism include feeling sluggish and cold and having gastrointestinal issues.

Reduced Brain Power

Your brain runs on glucose, so when you aren’t consuming enough calories, your brain doesn’t have as much power to work at peak capacity. Your brain needs a constant supply of glucose to keep everything running well. If you are always hungry, your brain won’t be working at its best.

Gallstone Formation

Diets that severely restrict calories can cause rapid weight loss, which can lead to gallstones. These may cause abdominal pain and require surgery.

Overall, talk to a registered dietitian to find out how many calories are right for your body and your needs.

Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/weight-loss/your-health-and-your-weight/4-ways-low-calorie-diets-can-sabotage-your-health