India (Commonwealth Union)_ Commuting between home and work and rushing against the time to fulfill deadlines generally affect our eating habits. We consume only a piece of toast in the morning and are occasionally driven to forgo lunch, drastically reducing our daily calorie consumption. A few days of undereating may have no effect on the body, but weeks and months of malnutrition can have serious consequences. A hectic schedule is not the sole cause of undereating; some people intentionally eat less in order to reduce weight and get a desired body. Regardless of the reason, if you are eating less, you might develop chronic health problems. According to nutritionist Lovneet Batra, there are indications that you are not ingesting sufficient calories. She has listed eight of these signs that indicate it’s time to eat more.
Low-calorie intake refers to a situation where an individual consumes fewer calories than their body needs to carry out daily activities. This can be intentional, such as in the case of weight loss, or unintentional due to factors such as poverty or illness. While a calorie deficit can lead to weight loss, it can also have negative consequences on the body. Some of the most common health hazards are malnutrition, fatigue and weakness, slow metabolism, loss of muscle mass, hormonal imbalance, mental health issues, etc. In this article, we will explore the consequences of low-calorie intake.
Hair loss
Inadequate dietary intake also results in the omission of essential foods and the micronutrients they offer. According to the nutritionist, this can result in hair loss over time, which no one desires.
Sleep difficulties
If you have been having trouble falling asleep, it may be because you are missing meals. According to the nutritionist, poor sleep and a lack of restful sleep have been linked to undereating.
Mood swings
Long-term adherence to an overly low-calorie diet might cause agitation and irritation. This is due to the fact that restrictive eating practices can affect your mood and make you feel depressed.
Low productivity and cognitive impairment
Reduced dietary intake can deplete the body of vital minerals and nutrients, including B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and folate. This can lead to a loss in brain function and cognitive abilities, thereby diminishing your productivity.
Constipation
Undereating might also lead to constipation. When you consume less, you produce lesser stools, and food moves more slowly through your digestive tract. This might result in constipation as it affects your bowel motions.
Lack of energy
Our body needs nourishment to carry out daily tasks and other duties. Constant fatigue and lack of energy is another indication that you are not consuming enough calories.
Feeling cold
According to the nutritionist, ingesting extremely few calories might reduce the body’s T3 thyroid hormone levels. She says that this might lower our body temperature and make us feel unusually chilled.
Hunger pangs
You might feel more hunger if you continue to skip meals. The practice of eating insufficiently might result in hormonal changes and increased hunger, indicating that you need to take in more calories and nutrients.
In conclusion, while low-calorie intake may lead to weight loss in the short term, it can have negative consequences on the body in the long run. When an individual consumes a very low amount of calories, their body is unable to obtain the necessary nutrients required for optimal health. Hence, it is essential to consume a balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients and energy required for optimal health. If you are trying to lose weight, it is advisable to do so in a healthy and sustainable way by consulting a registered dietitian or a healthcare provider.
