Chat with AHA!

Chat with Ask Healthshots

Before starting a very low calorie diet, know its 6 side effects

A low calorie diet can have a high risk! A balanced diet is important, but if your calorie intake is less, here's how it can affect you.
side effects of low calorie diet
A very low calorie diet can affect you negatively too. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Team Health Shots Updated: 9 Sep 2022, 10:47 am IST
  • 158

A balanced intake is necessary to maintain healthy weight and overall health. However, this could be challenging due to the lifestyle we lead. People tend to have increased intake and decreased expenditure of calories. Having said that, consuming a very low calorie diet is also harmful.
Malnutrition exists on both sides of the spectrum- over-nutrition and under-nutrition.

Consuming lesser than adequate calories (keeping in mind your requirement as per clinical and physical parameters.) on a daily basis can lead to several physical, mental and emotional issues.

Here are the side effects of low calorie diet

According to Delnaz Chanduwadia, Chief Dietician and Nutritionist, Jaslok Hospital, these are the ways in which a low calorie diet can affect you.

Calorie intake
Keep a check on your calorie intake and ensure it is balanced. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

1. Low energy levels

Consumption of less food itself is like less fuel to the car. Lesser than 1000 kcals per day is termed as a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD). Most people at least need 1000 calories – as per their resting metabolic rate (RMR). However, consuming less than 1000 kcals can reduce your metabolic rate causing low energy levels and fatigue.

2. Loss of integrity of hair skin and nails.

A low calorie diet would also mean less intake of protein. Protein is most important for the upkeep of these tissues. The lack of protein could lead to brittle nails, hair loss, dry skin. This is also because of the lack of intake of other nutrients apart from protein which are needed for the up keep.

3. Infertility:

Hormonal balance is the key to all life processes. Getting pregnant is one of them. Research has shown sensitivity towards hormonal changes when there is a change in calorie intake and changes in weight. Most hormones are also fat based, so when the intake of fat drops – this hormone signaling is impaired. The first symptom of this is amenhorrhea. In order to ensure pregnancy and a healthy baby, one needs to eat a well balanced diet.

infertility due to diet
Female infertility could happen due to poor intake of certain nutrients. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Imbalance of leptin and ghrelin:

Leptin and ghrelin are hormones regulate hunger and satiety. Leptin is responsible for suppressing hunger. A very low calorie intake throws these hormones out of whack, causing one to constantly feel hungry.

Having said that, a very low calorie diet also tends to increase stress hormone cortisol- which is linked to hunger and for causing an increase in belly fat.

Take a Poll

How do you meet your daily protein requirements?

Take a Poll

Which seed is your favourite?

4. Mood swings

If you don’t eat right and don’t eat enough, it is possible to have mood swings or irritability. A balanced diet is the key if you want to be upbeat.

5. Constipation

Less food intake means lesser bowel movements. However, this could also be attributed to the fact that one is consuming less fiber and less protein. Less fiber means less bulk formation for stools to form. Less protein means reduced intestinal tone, causing constipation. Both these factors contribute greatly and this would mean an altered intestinal gut flora and altered immunity.

constipation
What you eat affects your bowel movements. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Insomnia:

Overeating and under-eating can cause problems with sleep. Calorie restriction causes a drop in “deep sleep” phase. The person wakes up tired and not well-rested. This affects one’s mood and leads to irritability, lack of focus at work and constant feeling of hunger.

These are a few issues of due to very low calorie diet. Hence, it is important to consult a qualified nutritionist and get a personalized plan.

  • 158
About the Author

We are a varied group of Health Shots writers, bringing you the healthiest scoop on wellness in town. ...Read More

Next Story
Healthshots AHA
Ask a Health Query
Anonymously for FREE!
Close Popup Healthshots AHA
  • Unlimited Queries
  • Completely Anonymous
  • Credible Sources
CHAT NOW