In addition to loss of muscle mass, inadequate calorie intake can lead to loss of bone density and an increased risk of fatigue, illness, injuries and poor recovery.
<h3>Why is it important to consume adequate calories?</h3>
When your consumption of calories is not adequate, your body will not get all the necessary nutrients.
It slows down the metabolism so as to conserve energy
Calorie restriction can lead to reduce in leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite.
Lower levels of leptin can lead to increase in hunger thus a person overeats. This results in increase in body weight.
Low-calorie dieting increases stress and results in the release of the stress hormone (cortisol).
Due to response to stress, the body conserves energy and the metabolism slows to combat the risk of starvation.
Therefore, it is important to consume appropriate amount of calories and nutrients.
