Starvation mode

tayusuki

So I've been out of the loop for quite some time.

Since jumping back into the forums I've read many times people saying the concept of starvation mode doesn't exist.

I understood it as a shift in bodily functions such that it tries to hold onto calories the best it can when you undereat too long. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

Can you guys weigh in for me? Why has thinking changed to saying starvation mode doesn't exist?

Sorry if this is worded poorly, but I appreciate the insight. c:

malibu927

What you described is adaptive thermogenesis. That is true. When people talk about starvation mode on here, this is how it usually goes...

Person A: I'm eating less than 1200 calories and didn't lose this week, help!
Person B: Eat more, you're in starvation mode!

They assume it's an instant thing when it isn't.

AJ_G

malibu927 wrote: »

What you described is adaptive thermogenesis. That is true. When people talk about starvation mode on here, this is how it usually goes...

Person A: I'm eating less than 1200 calories and didn't lose this week, help!
Person B: Eat more, you're in starvation mode!

They assume it's an instant thing when it isn't.

This is right on, it goes by a few names: Adaptive Thermogenesis, Metabolic Adaptation, Metabolic Damage(don't like this term because it can be misleading).

It is a very real thing, but it is not something that happens on a short term basis, which many people don't understand. Basically the rule of thumb is the larger your calorie deficit or calorie surplus, the faster your metabolism will attempt to close the gap on your deficit/surplus, which is why the experts say for weight loss, the best calorie intake is the highest amount of calories you can possibly eat that still has you steadily losing weight, as you will retain more muscle mass that way and the effect of Adaptive Thermogenesis will be minimized.

tayusuki

Ok, so it's more of using the wrong name!

I can understand losing muscle being a problem. I imagine maintaining a high protein intake helps too.

I've read some people suggesting to increase your caloric intake briefly to help counter this. Of course, I don't know how truthful it is. Theoretically I can see it being beneficial.