--- title: "Women's Health Focus: The Hidden Dangers of Chronic Under-Eating" description: Explore the hidden dangers of chronic under-eating in active middle-aged women, including fatigue, injury recovery issues, and muscle loss. image: https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/hubfs/Whole%2030%20posts%20(10).png --- [Skip to main content](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog/womens-health-focus-the-hidden-dangers-of-chronic-under-eating#main) [![Logos (1)-1](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20(1)-1.png?width=110&height=110&name=Logos%20(1)-1.png) ![Logos (1)](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20(1).png?width=250&height=250&name=Logos%20(1).png) ![Logos (1)](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20(1).png?width=250&height=250&name=Logos%20(1).png) ![Logos (1)](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20(1).png?width=100&height=100&name=Logos%20(1).png)](https://www.teamnaturalwellness.com/) - [Home](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com) - [About Us](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/-about-us) - [Show submenu for Free Resources Free Resources](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/free-resources) - [Testimonials](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/resources/testimonials) - [Show submenu for Services Services](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services) - [Manual Therapy](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/traditional-manual-therapies) - [Dry Needling](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/functional-dry-needling) - [IASTM](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/iastm-graston) - [Myofascial Cupping](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/myofascial-cupping) - [Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy) - [Nutrition](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/nutrition) - [Pickleball](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/pickleball) - [Small Group Training](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/small-group-training) - [Affiliate Program](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/affiliate-program) - [Blog](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog) - [Events](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/events-workshops) - [Contact](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/contact) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com) - [About Us](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/-about-us) - Show submenu for Free Resources Free Resources - Free Resources - [Free Resources](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/free-resources) - [Testimonials](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/resources/testimonials) - Show submenu for Services Services - Services - [Services](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services) - [Manual Therapy](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/traditional-manual-therapies) - [Dry Needling](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/functional-dry-needling) - [IASTM](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/iastm-graston) - [Myofascial Cupping](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/myofascial-cupping) - [Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy) - [Nutrition](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/nutrition) - [Pickleball](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/pickleball) - [Small Group Training](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/small-group-training) - [Affiliate Program](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/affiliate-program) - [Blog](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog) - [Events](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/events-workshops) - [Contact](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/contact) - [Book an appointment NOW](https://intakeq.com/booking/wnvzjm) [Book an appointment NOW](https://intakeq.com/booking/wnvzjm) Blog Categories ### Women's Health Focus: The Hidden Dangers of Chronic Under-Eating As a performance physical therapist, I often encounter active middle-aged women who consume around 1200 calories a day, believing it will help them achieve their health and fitness goals. While the intention to maintain a healthy weight is understandable, chronic under-eating can have severe consequences that undermine overall well-being and performance. Let's delve into the significant effects of this dietary habit. #### Fatigue One of the first signs I notice in my clients is persistent fatigue. Our bodies require a sufficient amount of calories and nutrients to sustain energy levels, especially for those engaging in regular physical activity. When calorie intake is too low, it results in a constant state of tiredness, making workouts and daily tasks feel exhausting. This fatigue can create a vicious cycle, reducing the motivation to stay active and leading to further energy depletion. #### Inability to Heal Injuries Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the body's ability to repair and heal itself. Many of my clients struggle with prolonged recovery times for injuries, often due to inadequate nutrient intake. Active women are particularly at risk because their bodies need more resources to repair the wear and tear from regular exercise. Chronic undereating compromises the healing process, increasing the risk of lingering injuries and making it harder to maintain an active lifestyle. #### Losing Muscle Mass Maintaining muscle mass is essential for strength, mobility, and overall metabolic health. However, when the body doesn’t receive enough calories, it starts breaking down muscle tissue for energy. I frequently see women experiencing a decline in muscle mass despite their efforts in the gym. This not only weakens their performance but also slows down metabolism, making it harder to manage weight in the long run. For middle-aged women, losing muscle mass can lead to decreased independence and a higher risk of falls and fractures. Remember: Good, quality food fuels your daily life and activities. If you'd like to check out the BMR Calculator I used in this video, [you can find it right here](https://www.calculator.net/bmr-calculator.html).  If you're needing support or guidance around your nutrition, you can set up a [free consultation with our Nutrition Coach, Rebekah](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/nutrition).  ###### Tags: [nutrition,](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog/tag/nutrition) [women's health,](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog/tag/womens-health) [injury,](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog/tag/injury) [performance](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog/tag/performance) ![Dr. Clayton Dir, PT, DPT](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/hs-fs/hubfs/clayton.jpeg?width=50&height=50&name=clayton.jpeg) Post by [Dr. Clayton Dir, PT, DPT](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog/author/dr-clayton-dir-pt-dpt) Jul 2, 2024 9:45:33 AM Clayton earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2020 from Wichita State allowing him to combine his love for the human body and helping clients improve their health while building strength and resiliency. “I thoroughly enjoy walking the path alongside my client and guiding him or her to being in control of his or her health.” After experiencing the “traditional” line of physical therapy in other outpatient clinics, he knew there was a more client-centered approach that could provide long-term access to care and improved results. “Our current medical system often prioritizes injections and surgeries over conservative care. After helping numerous clients eliminate pain and return to their activities, I’m confident there are many cases that can avoid unnecessary surgeries” Clayton is trained in a variety of manual therapy techniques and certified in Functional Dry Needling. In his time away from the clinic he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, with adventure and activities such as working out, hiking, kayaking, yard games, and anything new to stay active. He also enjoys vacations of all kinds from weekend road trips to cruises! ### Comments [![Team Natural Wellness](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/hs-fs/hubfs/**NWPT.png?width=83&height=90&name=**NWPT.png)](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com) - [Home](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com) - [About Us](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/-about-us) - [Free Resources](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/free-resources) - [Services](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services) - [Blog](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/blog) - [Events](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/services/events-workshops) - [Contact](https://go.teamnaturalwellness.com/contact) **Natural Wellness Physiotherapy ** (316) 290-9158 309 S. 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