How long for metabolism to return to normal? For CDCs

[Seaneen]

Hi,

I've read that VLCD slow the metabolism, meaning that maintainance will constantly have to be with a lower level of calories- less than 1500kcal a day.

Is this true, and, if it is not, what is the evidence? Does the metabolism return to a point where one is not constantly dieting?

Thanks.

[Seaneen]

Anyone? I feel this is important. I don't doubt the CD for losing weight, but for keeping it off.... Basically, I don't want to be back here in a year's time.

[SkinkWitch]

I would also like to know the facts on this please!

[Seaneen]

???

[unreal83]

I thought that your metabolism is faster - because your body is eating up the food pretty quick!

I, for one, took a long time to put on any weight when i started eating again as my body was so hungry for anything.

[Bagpuss]

Hmmm... I'm editing the post because there seem to be different takes on the science of maintenance and calorie burning after a VCLD; my own experience was that over 1500-1700 I did gain rapidly but KD's post below suggests this corrects over time. Wayhey, hope after all, perhaps.

[KD]

Well, I'm not a CDC, but I'll answer it anyway.

Your metabolism will slow down when you are on a VLCD, but then it slows down when you are on any diet, and also when you lose weight (less to lug around).

It will stay slower for the duration of the diet, but gradually increase as you go up the plans when you are nearing goal.

By the time you have finished, your metabolism will be back to normal, albeit slightly slower as you will weigh less.

It shouldn't be any slower than anyone of a similar age, weight and activity level after completing the diet.

Hope that helps.

[Hedgehog]

yes your metabolism slows in line with your weight, if you weigh more, you need more to maintain, and the lighter you are the less you need to stay the same.

Its not that your metabolism shuts down, just changes based on what you weigh. You can increase your metobolism by including more activity in your daily routine

[KD]

And of course, your metabolism slows down because you eat less. Happens with every diet.

[Roosters]

Just to add to this, How many calories would you go up to? I mean to maintain? I know that the average for a woman is 2000 but could it be less than that? I know that excersise, height and weight will have something to do with it - any thoughts?

[Hedgehog]

It usually fluctuats between 1700 and 2300 for the average woman, depending on activity levels, age, height etc, our metabolism also slows as we age

[corioboria]

Speaking as a Personal Trainer, rather than a diet consultant, I would say the best way to rebuild your metabolism if you find it is sluggish after a VLCD is to start exercising, and particularly resistance exercises to help you build & tone muscle, as toned muscle burns calories faster.

I know you are not recommended to do much exercise on the low calorie part of a VLCD, but once you are on maintenance then you will be able to. Your daily calorie allowance will then be 1500 or so plus what you manage to burn in exercise during the day.

If you're struggling to rebuild your metabolism I would suggest joining a gym and/or hiring your own personal trainer for some exercise tips.

[Roosters]

Speaking as a Personal Trainer, rather than a diet consultant, I would say the best way to rebuild your metabolism if you find it is sluggish after a VLCD is to start exercising, and particularly resistance exercises to help you build & tone muscle, as toned muscle burns calories faster.

I know you are not recommended to do much exercise on the low calorie part of a VLCD, but once you are on maintenance then you will be able to. Your daily calorie allowance will then be 1500 or so plus what you manage to burn in exercise during the day.

If you're struggling to rebuild your metabolism I would suggest joining a gym and/or hiring your own personal trainer for some exercise tips.

Hiya, thanks for that - very interesting! Can I just ask, what sort of price would you have to pay for a personal trainer? coz honestly, if I went to a gym I wouldn't know where to start or what was right for me?

[Seaneen]

Thanks so much for such helpful responses!

I am glad that exercise helps- I have free gym membership starting next month and the weather is lovely so I can start cycling again!

[corioboria]

Most gyms will include some time with a trainer as part of your membership. At the very least you should be shown the machinery and given a programme that is suitable for what you want to achieve. Different gyms differ in what you get - you'll have to look at your local ones to see what's available.

If you're lucky, the gym bunny that shows you around will be pretty qualified, and should be able to offer advice on the best exercises for rebuilding metabolism.

A lot of gyms also offer personal training as an extra - some of them do it in half hour segments which is great. You shouldn't need too many of them if you're on a budget - just enough to pick the brains of a trainer and get advice on technique.

If you are paying for PT, make sure they are not just standing by you while you pound the treadmill - that's a waste of your money. I had an arrangement with my trainer where after the first session they showed me the cardio to do, which I did by myself for the first 40 minutes, then I had my 1/2 hour PT session which was much more technical with weights etc. A good hour's workout but I only paid for 1/2 hour.