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Seeing that so many people in America are overweight, it's no surprise that one of the chief focuses of the Paleo Diet is weight loss. That's all well and good, but what about thin people going on the diet?

In our case, because of the already low amount of body fat when we began the diet, we've only lost a couple pounds at most (maybe some subcutaneous fat loss around the abdomen). Less sleepiness throughout the day (necessitating less caffeine) has been one benefit, as well as less heartburn. Ironically, the Paleo Diet has increased our vegetable intake because instead of grainy carbs, we have an extra helping of veggies.

Other benefits (insulin sensitivity) have been passive thus far.

What benefits (or problems) have other thin folks experienced when transitioning Paleo? Can anyone comment on their experiences on the Paleo Diet if they were already skinny when they started it?

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 I encouraged a girl I know to try eating paleo for a while, she is like a rake, so thin. She has several health issues. She hasn't tried yet. There is a difference between being thin and being lean, she is the former. – oliverh Feb 16 2011 at 18:22

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Yep--the most notable improvements paleo brought me weren't about weight loss. I did lose about 8-10 pounds (all in the midsection, as you said), but people called me "skinny" before I started paleo (went from 112-115 to around 105-106, 5'3").

-Depression lifted (something I've struggled with for a long time--gone)

-Lots of mood related stuff, PMS ( & cramping) symptoms disappeared, general mood swings in the afternoon/evening or in reaction to relatively trivial events got a lot better

-More energy, and no energy crashes in the afternoon.

-Miraculously, after about 1.5 or 2 months on paleo, I started getting this gnawing desire to start exercising, which I haven't done in 10 years (wow, it sounds worse when I actually say it...)

-Clearer skin, brighter eyes, and shinier, healthier hair.

-Not feeling constantly hungry, which was incredibly distracting at work.

-Generally...wanting to live.

I could probably keep going, but these were the changes I was most pleased with.

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A great account of the positive effects paleo eating has on the body and mind. My experiences are largely similar to yours (aside from the PMS thing...as I'm a guy ;-)). The desire to move and to exercise is probably my favourite benefit, but my clear skin, bright eyes and overall positive attitude (I have a history of severe depression) are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of how paleo eating has helped me. I too lost a bit of weight but now I seem to be 'stable' and am making great gains in the gym. – Jason Feb 16 2011 at 15:38
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I never had much weight to lose (10-15 lbs maybe) and people have always called me skinny. I actually first went paleo for health reasons rather than weight loss reasons. I did lose those 10 lbs but I also just felt worlds better. Some things that improved:

  • the small weight loss I mentioned

  • digestion - I used to feel like crap every time I ate, was insatiable, had tremendous gas, etc - all cleared up

  • heart palpitations - I have mitral valve prolapse and cutting all the crap food makes my symptoms 100% better

  • persistent backache disappeared

  • anxiety/depression issues I was starting to develop went away

  • clearer skin, especially on my back which used to be worse than my face and which is now as clear as a baby's bottom

Some things that did not improve for me:

  • headaches

  • energy level

  • PMS stuff

  • and after several years on paleo I started having digestive issues again (different from the ones I had on SAD) which I am currently trying to sort out

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I have always been a thin person and had a high metabolism, but I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2007 and decided to go 100% Paleo for the health benefits which the diet provides. I had no desire to lose any weight whatsoever ( I was 5"10, 145 lbs, size 6 20% body fat) But after 3 years on the diet, I found that increasing my fat intake in each meal( more olive oil, nuts, nut butter) with my protein and veg/fruits, leaves me full and satisfied. I also workout now ( crossfit) 2 to 4 days a week. I am now 150 lbs, size 4, and 17% body fat. I have increased my muscle mass, decreased my body fat, and gained 5 lbs, and dropped a full dress size.

You do not have to lose weight on Paleo if you don't want to. My answer is to increase your "good fats" with each meal if you would like to maintain/ or stay close to where you are. I attribute my 5 lbs in weight gain as muscle. I feel fantastic. I haven't had any stomach problems in years, my skin is clear, my hormones are regulated, and I have endless amounts of energy.

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