How accurate was my breath test?
I had the metabolism breath test done today, and I got 1240, which is much higher than the 1050 I got exactly one month ago.
I've been eating around 1400-1500 in the past month, trying to lose weight slowly and healthily, also combined with some natural thyroid pills to speed up my metabolism.
However, yesterday I ate a lot, 2000-2200 calories. Could that have given me a much higher RMR reading than what it really is?
I fasted for four hours before taking the test both times, although because I ate so much more yesterday, maybe it wasn't out of my system yet?
What would my REAL RMR be then? Then what would my BMR be?
You've been advised in an earlier post that you shouldn't be trying to lose weight because you're already at the low end of a healthy weight.
By eating more normally... and 2000 cals is what you should be getting every day.... you could well have increased your resting metabolism. You may also have been better-hydrated. RMR changes.... that's bodies for you.
I don't really understand why you want to know your RMR ..... most people don't need to and it doesn't really tell you anything useful. Given your history of disordered eating, testing RMRs could well be an unhealthy thing to do. Just make good food choices, eat normally, eat regularly, enjoy what you eat, be active and above all.... stop dieting.
Okay. I asked how accurate my test was. I want to know if I'm improving my damaged metabolism or if eating a lot one day could affect it. I can improve my resting metabolism in one day by eating 2000? Or is it just a 'fluke' for having to work harder to metabolize my food, and that my metabolism will go back down IF I eat 1500 or so again?
Eating more and eating regularly can affect your resting metabolism.... it goes up and down a little all the time, every day. If you go back on your reduced-calorie diet you'll reduce it again. I've no idea how accurate the test is but, really, what on earth difference does it make to anything?
Bottom line is that you're already a very low weight & that you need about 2000 cals on a regular basis to maintain that weight and to be healthy.... seems like a no-brainer to me.
But 2000 won't maintain my weight, it'll increase it, which I'm not looking to do.
Also, would you happen to know what a healthy RMR would be? For somebody 5'0/5'1 and 17?
Considering that women stop growing between 14 and 18 years of age, I would assume that you aren't really hurting your growth by under-eating. But really, why under-eat now when you're at the age that you can eat anything? When you get close to 30, then worry about it.
gi-jane seems to think every person alike burns 2,000 calories so don't worry about it. I would find a kids calorie calculator on google and base it off that.
If you would like to start increasing your metabolism (if you feel you have damaged it for instance) I would recommend exercising and lifting some weights. Obviously make sure you increase your calorie intake the days you do exercise, thoguh. You seem to be on the right path, particularly by acknowledging slow weightloss. I wouldn't doubt that your RMR is 1240. That seems spot on as well.
While I can see why you'd want to know exactly what your body burns, I would just stick to the guidelines you find best for you. Good luck with it all :)
Original Post by xetoilenuitx:
But 2000 won't maintain my weight, it'll increase it, which I'm not looking to do.
2000-ish will only cause you to gain weight if you've been chronically undereating up to now. Your RMR will be low if you chronically undereat. ... It's all connected. There is no 'healthy RMR' exactly... it is what it is and it depends on the person's age, size, level of activity etc. etc. etc.
What you should be more concerned about is being active, being healthy and matching your total energy & nutritional needs with good quality food. You've already proved you can raise your RMR to nearer 1300 with a more sensible diet... add to that regular daily activity - say another 400 cals.... some reasonable exercise - say another 300 cals.... and there you are up at 2000 no problem. That's the way to look at it....
your questions are somewhat annoying. you wont eat a recommended amount as per this sites guidelines. you get your metabolism tested twice and then, you want us complete cyber strangers to determine whether the test is right or wrong.
how the hell would we know whats been assimilated by your system or what metabolic effects any medication is having on you. i think you are rather obsessed with your weight and body and might want to look at getting some help. in the meantime perhaps review your request and see how it might be perceived as annoying and unreasonable.
Original Post by fidget84:
your questions are somewhat annoying. you wont eat a recommended amount as per this sites guidelines. you get your metabolism tested twice and then, you want us complete cyber strangers to determine whether the test is right or wrong.
how the hell would we know whats been assimilated by your system or what metabolic effects any medication is having on you. i think you are rather obsessed with your weight and body and might want to look at getting some help. in the meantime perhaps review your request and see how it might be perceived as annoying and unreasonable.
There is absolutely no reason to be so rude to somebody you don't even know and reply to a question even though you have no advice, THAT'S annoying. I was looking for people who actually are knowledgeable about this breath test or just metabolism and if various things can affect it. I'm looking for advice because I DON'T know what to do.
So please just leave me alone unless you have REAL advice.
EDIT: I was looking at some of your posts, fidget, and a lot of people seem to agree with me. I think YOU have the problem, you're rude and negative. People on here are looking for HELP and FEEDBACK not insults by some insolent stranger. Try to learn to calm down and talk to people respectfully, it'll help you a lot in life.
Anyways, thank you to thoese who are actually polite, helpful, and not looking to try and make random strangers feel bad or insulting them.
I'm going to start eating more to speed it up, and also start more strength training to build more muscle. Hopefully my metabolism speeds up even more.
Original Post by xetoilenuitx:
EDIT: I was looking at some of your posts, fidget, and a lot of people seem to agree with me. I think YOU have the problem, you're rude and negative. People on here are looking for HELP and FEEDBACK not insults by some insolent stranger. Try to learn to calm down and talk to people respectfully, it'll help you a lot in life.
Actually, fidget has so many supporters on this site and members, like myself, who are grateful that she speaks up and says what needs to be said.
No, she doesn't mince words. However, the only people who I've found to be irritated by fidget are those who refuse to follow the guidelines of this site (and remember, this website is about healthy weight management). If people are irritated by the fact she points out that their eating habits are unhealthy, well, so be it.
It is much better to annoy someone by pointing that out than to enable or even encourage someone to maintain dangerous habits.
THANK YOU MERYL :)
i need say no more!
"You get angry VERY easily. You don't have to attack her. Nothing positive comes of name calling. Tell her what she needs to know but do you really need to insult her?! NO. Please keep in mind that although you don't have any inhibitions while behind a computer screen and keyboard your words and attitude still ffect people in the same way. I really doubt that you go around calling people stupid and yelling at them all day. Just chill and be more productive, please."
"Thank you for saying that to the original poster. I thought the same thing. This site is supposed to be for encouraging people, not tearing them down. Bravo and nicely said! -Susan"
"I second that! We are here on this website for help and encouragement."
Anyways, maybe you should read more carefully, meryl. I used an online calculator and I AM going to eat that much (1800-2000). I only had questions about my RMR test, jeez. People on this site are pretty damn rude. If you don't have GOOD advice or answers to my actual question "what can affect my RMR test?" then don't bother answering to my topic. It's pretty simple.
Blah, blah... I've been an active member of this site for a couple of years and a member since 2005. Suffice to say, I've read thousands of threads, and I agree with the overwhelming majority who agree with fidget.
Pointing out the odd dissenters doesn't change that. Like I said, the only people who disagree with fidget are the ones who feel uncomfortable with her pointing out their unhealthy habits.
You're posting on a public internet forum. That means you'll probably get a mix of opinions - some you agree with, and some you don't. If you can't handle opinions you don't like, don't post online... It's pretty simple.
i've never heard of a metabolism test, how can i get this? how much does it cost?
Meryl-
Do you want some kind of award for being a member of Calorie Count since 2005? No one cares. She's just looking for advice. If you don't have anything productive to add to this innocent girl's post, then get on with your life...it's pretty simple.
Fidget-
Your posts are somewhat annoying. Get a life.
xetoilenuitx-
Not exactly sure about the RMR question...maybe there's a nutritionist at the place you went for the breath test that could help you out? As for BMR check out this site: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/ harris-benedict-equation/
Good luck
Original Post by typical_guy:
Considering that women stop growing between 14 and 18 years of age, I would assume that you aren't really hurting your growth by under-eating.
I disagree. We might stop growing vertically, but we don't stop growing in other ways. Female development can occur into the early 20s.
Original Post by irish222:
Meryl-
Do you want some kind of award for being a member of Calorie Count since 2005? No one cares. She's just looking for advice. If you don't have anything productive to add to this innocent girl's post, then get on with your life...it's pretty simple.
Fidget-
Your posts are somewhat annoying. Get a life.
xetoilenuitx-
Not exactly sure about the RMR question...maybe there's a nutritionist at the place you went for the breath test that could help you out? As for BMR check out this site: http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/ harris-benedict-equation/
Good luck
I agree, thank you! I have been very rude to a few times and it does not feel good at all especially when you are coming here for support. How hard is it to word something differently so you are not so rude but still get the same message across, answer....not very hard at all! Try it sometime!
Original Post by irish222:
Meryl-
Do you want some kind of award for being a member of Calorie Count since 2005? No one cares. She's just looking for advice. If you don't have anything productive to add to this innocent girl's post, then get on with your life...it's pretty simple.
The OP told me to read more carefully. My point was, I've read a hell of a lot of threads, and I still know that most people agree with fidget. I don't see your post as particularly productive either...
I can tell you that most of those so-called rude posters who are responding to your request know their stuff. You are trying to lose weight, taking thyroid pills to speed up metabolism and doing breath tests to determine RMR. You are 17 and have already, according to GI Jane, been advised on previous posts to avoid further weight loss because you have no room left to go before you are underweight.
Another poster pointed out while your body may stop growing at 18, further development occurs right to 25. In fact, the most important part (the prefrontal cortex in your brain -- responsible for developing mature judgment) happens all the way up to age 30. Your brain is 4% of your body weight and consumes 20% of your energy intake. If you have a hot body and an underdeveloped and poorly functioning brain, how sexy is that in the end?
I've seen a few posters get angry when the responses are all about those irritating reminders to be sensible. This is why Google is there -- you can search for your answers to RMR issues there. Sadly, this site populated with people who won't just do your research for you and they actually try to offer their advice.
