Sorry if what I wrote was confusing. I was trying to say that, if you eat Less than 1500 calories each day, you will have to do it forever. Otherwise, when you go back to eating normally (more than 1500) you will gain weight. So, you might lose 30 pounds or whatever on a low calorie diet but if you then go back to eating more calories you will gain weight. You Will lose weight quicker on 1200 or 1100, etc. but it will not stay off if you go back to normal eating, cos your body will think it has been starved and so will hang onto whatever it gets as soon as it starts getting more calories again!!! Eating 1500 calories per day (no more) with low fat (25g is good) with some exercise you should lose weight steadily which will stay off. Of course this is Average and the measures will be different for some people it depends on your height and bone structure and how much muscle u have (i have read ur posts so i know u know this!). But 1500 per day sounds best. Keep posting and let me know how you go!!!! I hope this is clearer. Georgina