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Diet and Nutrition

150 lbs

11/03/2009

Question:

If a person needs to lose 150 lbs could she just stop eating for a year to lose 150 lbs?

The way I figure it, if the person normally eats 1500 calories per day (and does not lose weight eating 1500 calories per day), in order to lose 150 lbs she would have to be deficient by 525,000 calories (3500 calories per lb x 150 lbs). 525,000 calories divided by 1500 (per day) is 350 days, or just 15 days short of a year. So if she did nothing but drink water for a year would she lose 150 lbs? I know everybody says that is not good for you to starve yourself, but what if nothing else works? Would the person die from not eating or would she be able to survive on her own body fat and end up a year later at a normal weight?

I need to lose 150 lbs so that my employer doesn`t charge me extra - more than I can afford - for my health insurance. Would I lose 150 lbs in a year if I just don`t eat anything at all for the whole year?

Answer:

I think your answer to losing 150 lbs in 1 year is a bit extreme.  Obviously, a person cannot survive on just water alone for an entire year.  Ask your doctor for a referral to a Registered Dietitian to assist you in meal planning for weight loss.  I'd also suggest a gym membership or just a good pair of walking shoes to burn off some calories.  Good luck.

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Response by:

University of Cincinnati Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD
Adjunct Faculty
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati
Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD