“My client claims they are following a low calorie diet but are not experiencing results… What are my options?”
“Low-Calorie Diet, No Results” We hear variations of this question frequently in our Facebook coaching communities: (“My client claims they’re following an 1200 Calorie diet but…” or “Their weight hasn’t moved despite them eating 800 Calories per day…”).

Typically, around half of respondents suggest the client may simply be mistaking. “Nobody who says they eat this little actually does so,” they argue.

The other half focuses on biological issues that may slow metabolism: “You could suggest they see their doctor for a thyroid check-up.

As a coach, how do you decide how to proceed when both parties seem equally right? And if one of your clients or yourself find themselves trapped in the low-Calorie no-results cycle?

How should you raise this issue without accusing them of lying? (And if their eating really is more than they claim?)

How to Discuss Low Calorie Dieting Let’s start with an example. Generally speaking, women require about 1200 Calories each day in order to produce sufficient deficit and lead to weight loss; men typically require 1500 Calories daily as the target number for weight reduction.

This statement holds true even if one’s metabolism is functioning at a slower rate due to adaptive thermogenesis (or, “the starvation response”). Additionally, those suffering from thyroid issues also face similar circumstances.

Although health conditions that could potentially hinder someone’s metabolism enough to prevent a 1250 Calorie Diet from working are possible, such incidents are exceedingly rare, according to Precision Nutrition Director of Nutrition Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD.

Simply stated, if your client is adhering to or below calorie guidelines but still isn’t losing weight, an underlying medical problem likely isn’t responsible.

Probability suggests: Your client may be eating more than they realize.