back and stomach cramps when you first start dieting - is it normal?

Hi all,

I started dieting on 1st June, and its almost half a month now. I used to eat up to 3000-4000 calories a day before I started (without realizing of course), and when I started, I cut it down to 1000 calories (max). I noticed, sinced I started dieting, I've been having terrible stomach and back aches, it is a weird ache or more like cramp, and I dont know if it is normal. I have not started exercising, I my lifestyle is literally sedentary as I have a desk job and work almost 14 hours day. Has anyone had a similar experience or do you think its abnormal and its high time I visit a doctor?

You've cut down from 3000 to 1000!!! There's your answer. Increase your calories, 1000 is too low. Try 1500 or even more for a while, then cut down gradually if you feel you want to. 1000 calories per day and you will give up very soon.

But apparently, the required amount of calories for my body is only 1200. And i thought, if i needed to lose weight, I had to eat below the required calories. I am also having constipation, and I'm afraid to start taking laxatives as my body might get hooked on to it.

i had a quick peak at your food intake and I do believe that if you increase your dark green veggie intake it will help in your elimination process! try more salads and veggies, drink lots of water and keep your calories around 1200 = 1500 , if you're eating good clean natural foods,the weight will still come off and your overall health will improve.
best of luck!

I think the main reason is because its such a drastic change from what you are used to, hence the cramps. Why not try 1200-1500 and do some exercise and see how it goes. I have heard so many people say they increased their calories and the weight came off quicker. If you eat more and exercise more, it will work. Try it for a couple of weeks and see how it goes. I was sceptical too when I started counting calories but it really does work. For me I would rather eat a bit more and do more walking. You are also probably constipated because you're not eating enough so I wouldn't start with laxatives yet

At 68kg you were hardly what I'd call fat! And to lose 4 kg in 8 days is a LOT! I agree with Shazzyb that your intake is probably too low. Yes you might drop a lot of weight quickly, but your metabolism will be in starvation mode, so that when you do eat anything it will store it as fat against the next drought.