Thread: Is 1,200 Calories a Day Enough?

It really depends, if your body can handle only taking in 1200 calories a day. Its still very risky limiting your calorie intake. You should consult with a doctor first.

This is actually a mathematical function of your BMR. If you are sedentary, it is the BMR+20%. If you wish to lose weight, consume your BMR+5%. The more active you are the more calories you need and consuming 15% less than you need will permit you to lose weight safely. Never drop below your BMR for any length of time.


BMR - minimum amount of energy required when resting
Mifflin BMR
Male: BMR = 10×weight(lbs)/2.2 + 6.25×height(inch)*2.54 - 5×age + 5
Female: BMR = 10×weight(lbs)/2.2 + 6.25×height(inch)*2.54 - 5×age - 161

Harris BMR
Male: BMR = 66 + ( 6.23 x weight in pounds ) + ( 12.7 x height in inches ) - ( 6.8 x age in year )
Female: BMR = 655 + ( 4.35 x weight in pounds ) + ( 4.7 x height in inches ) - ( 4.7 x age in years )

The spreadsheet attached to Mathematical Nutrition Part 2 - BMR will calculate this for you.