We have established that an energy deficit must be created for weight loss to occur. However, most nutrition experts do not recommend an energy intake any lower than 1200 kcals and even that may be too low for an active or larger person. Some of the risks following an overly restrictive diet include:

• Increased risk of malnutrition
• Poor energy and inability to complete fitness programmes
• Mood swings
• Fatigue, constipation, nausea, diarrhoea and gall stone formation

Restrictive calorie diets should be discouraged! Instead, safe maintainable weight loss by means of healthy eating, smaller portions and increased activity should be encouraged.