How many calories is too little? And what really happens when you eat too little?

Hey /r/loseit,

I started my journey in late December and I'm still going strong. Over these last ~3 months, I've looked into weight loss more and more and consistently updated my equipment (food scale, measuring cups, etc.) alongside trying new meals and ways to consume calories and stay within a deficit. But I'm currently a little confused and seeking some sort of advice.

I'm M/17/5'5", currently about 170 pounds (younger than most here, I know), and I usually consume about 900-1000 calories per day; sometimes more, sometimes less (and yes, I use my food scale almost every time I can). I tend to hover around 75 grams of protein, <100 grams of carbs, and <40 grams of fat daily, as well as trying to manage my other nutrients and vitamins. About 95% of the time, I'm full at the end of the day, and I feel fine (no weakness, dizziness, etc.). But I've been reading posts in this sub about eating this many calories, and I've always seen that men should eat no less than 1500 calories and no one should dip below 1200 calories (also, quick s/o to /r/1200isplenty). Most of these posts mention that I should talk to my doctor (which I will during my next visit) and that I should try some snacks like nuts or protein bars (which I will do, too). But am I relatively healthy / OK? I plan on changing this and upping my intake, like I said, but I used a website to calculate my TDEE and it came to a little less than about 2000 calories (1750 BMR and a sedentary lifestyle [school]) and my goal weight is about 145 pounds (started at 196). I wish to obtain this by August, and from my understanding, I've been maintaining about a 1000 calorie deficit, daily, to my best ability.

I hear that too big a deficit, too little calories, and not enough protein is a recipe for disaster because your body will start losing too much lean muscle instead of / along with fat and this can also slow weight loss. In the near future I'd like to join a gym and start running and lifting, especially if I begin to eat more calories, and I'd much rather keep the muscle mass that I have instead of losing mass and trying to get it back.

My biggest concern and question is, should I up my caloric intake? And if so, what would be a preferable intake and deficit for someone my age / size? And have I done some sort of (preventable) damage to my body by eating so little for the last 3 months, especially since I'm still growing? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you for reading.

TL;DR: M/17/5'5", I eat 900-1000 cals daily and would like to know if that's something I should change given my stats.

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