Shreya Patel Shreya Patel Asked 6 months ago

Can eating too few calories cause weight gain?

I've been on a very strict diet, cutting my calories significantly to lose weight. But I'm not seeing the results I expected, and sometimes I even feel bloated. Could eating too few calories actually hinder weight loss or even cause weight gain?

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6 answers

Sarojini Devi Sarojini Devi Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
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When we starve ourselves, our body gets confused and starts storing everything as fat because it thinks there is a shortage of food. Instead of skipping meals, try having simple warm water with lemon and honey in the morning, and eat small light meals throughout the day.

Rahul Thapa Rahul Thapa Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Actually, starvation diets destroy your metabolic rate. When your metabolism drops, your daily energy expenditure decreases, which makes it easier to gain weight even from less food. Focus on a moderate deficit, hit your protein goals, and do some strength training.

Vikram Sethi Vikram Sethi Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

My doctor at Kokilaben Hospital explained that hormonal imbalances are often the real cause of unexpected weight gain when dieting. You should get a full body checkup and consult an endocrinologist before starting any extreme calorie-cutting diet.

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Consult a dietary specialist

Akash Gupta Akash Gupta Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Bro, my body is so confused. I barely eat anything all day because of work stress, and I still look bloated. I guess sleeping 4 hours a day and drinking 5 cups of chai is doing more damage than the calories.

Sunita Rao Sunita Rao Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

I tried eating under 1000 calories for months and instead of losing weight, I messed up my thyroid and gained 8 kgs. Please don't do crash diets like me. Go see a qualified dietitian who can check your blood levels and guide you safely.

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Neha Mehra Neha Mehra Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

Don't stress too much about counting every single calorie, yaar. When you starve your body, it just holds onto water and fat out of panic. Just focus on eating clean, home-cooked food and getting moving. You got this!

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