If I cut my calories a lot will it make me fat and my metabolism will suffer? This question was asked by ‘anonymous’ via Ask Questions.

Severe caloric restriction will not make you automatically gain weight. With time, your body can adjust to very low calorie intake. However, your body always tries to create a balance. When calories severely and suddenly cut, the body will try to create a balance, by hanging on to whatever energy (calories) it receives. Consequently, your metabolism will slow down, and it will be harder to lose weight.

If you cannot sustain this very low calorie restriction, it can lead to yo-yo dieting. Yo-yo dieting often leads to even greater weight gain. In some cases, especially if there is an existing medical condition, you can permanently disrupt your metabolism and thyroid gland function.