Starvation Mode

Alright, so I know I posted a topic on this a few days ago, but I went to my doctor and was officially declared in starvation mode. The only downside? I'm on the high end of weight, so it's not healthy for me to gain weight.

Should I diet until I'm down to a lower weight and then try to get out or what? How much am I supposed to be eating? People keep telling me what is happening to me and why, but nobody is telling me what I'm supposed to do. Is it better to gradually up my calories to 1200 and then up, or should I eat an insane amount for a week to jump start my metabolism? Can I still run? I like my muscle tone and don't want to lose that from inactivity. Sorry for the massive list of questions, but I'm frustrated and confused and would love some advice.

Thanks. Oh, and stats, 18, 5'4, 130 pounds.

At 5'4", 130lb, I calculate your BMI to be aboud 22 - NOT at the high end, but right in the middle of a healty weight range.

And if you are actually in starvation mode, you won't be able to lose weight in a timely manner, and continuing to undereat will only make it harder to rebuild tyour metabolism.

You don't need to eat an insane number - but start eating as much as you burn. And at 18, you should never be eating below 1500.

If you went to your doctor and he/she officially declared you in starvation mode why didn't he/she tell you what to do about it?  I'd go ask my doctor these questions if i were you.

Unfortunately she has no idea. Thanks, though!

Wow... I guess I'd be looking for a new doctor then.  I wouldn't accept that at all.  So your doctor was like "Yup, your body is in starvation mode. Sorry i can't help you out with how to restore yourself to full health"

Should I diet until I'm down to a lower weight and then try to get out or what? Most definitely not.  If you continue to diet you will no lose weight.  You won't be able to lose weight until your metabolism starts working properly again.  You should accept that you're going to have to gain a few pounds to restore it and then work on losing those extra few pounds slowly so that you don't go in starvation mode again.  And I wouldn't do it too fast either, as this could shock your system back into starvation mode.

Is it better to gradually up my calories to 1200 and then up, or should I eat an insane amount for a week to jump start my metabolism? You need to go way higher than 1200 calories to get your metabolism into gear.  1500 is minimum for a sedentary, basically in a coma, teen.  You're active - you need no less than 2000 calories. You probably need more than that.

Can I still run? Not unless your commited to eating 2500+ calories a day.

Oo Is there any chance that some people's metabolisms just really aren't that fast? How do I know my BMR is the same as the formula?