Starvation Mode is a Myth: The Science

JGT2004

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PaleoPath4Lyfe

Hello, all. Since I've been on MFP, I've seen quite a bit of pseudoscience (unfortunately, propagated by the site itself) that declares that the body will go into "starvation mode" if you do not eat X amount of calories per day. I don't know the origin of this myth, but here is an article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which puts the lie to the myth:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3661473

For those of us who don't wish to wade through the scientific and technical jargon, here's a summary. If a person goes without eating AT ALL for SIXTY HOURS, their metabolism will slow by roughly 8%. Until you hit the sixty-hour threshold, without having eaten at all, your metabolism remains unchanged. Should you reach that point of sixty hours without food, your metabolism will come back to normal soon after you begin eating again.

Two other studies (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2405717 and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10837292) show that the metabolism actually INCREASES during periods of intermittent fasting, but at an equally negligible rate: 3.8 to 10%.

As well, it appears that the arbitrary number which has been chosen for "starvation mode" (1200 kCal) is the same for everyone, which makes absolutely no sense. Why would this threshold be the same for me, at 185 lbs., as it would be for someone who weighs 260 lbs., or even 110 lbs.?

So here's the science: "starvation mode" is a myth. There is danger in restricted-calorie diets, but it comes from the possibility of not getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs, not from a magical, instantaneous slowdown of your metabolism.

Edit: grammar error

Thank You. This actually backs up my words of it doesn't matter about the calories, it is more about QUALITY, than QUANTITY.

If you are eating a WHOLE foods eating plan that is devoid of processed foods, it is possible to get the necessary nutrients without hitting some arbitrary number..............

Since most people don't want to ditch their disgusting processed foods, that is where calorie counting and deprivation actually comes into play.

Bikini_Bound150

Not eating enough calories is bad for your body. If you believe otherwise, you are an idiot. End of story.

vsmurrow

YAAAAAAAAAY! THANK YOU!
I have a little baby internet crush on you right now!

funkycamper

Now, through some work and diligence, I can eat much more and still lose. I have more energy than I have had in decades, am getting stronger all the time, and eating more and more and losing inches and pounds and I'm thrilled. I plan on gradually increasing my net calories to see how high I can go and still lose. And I'm looking forward to the day when I reach my goal and can eat without worrying about gaining because I have healed my slow-burning metabolism with one that burns much faster.

My heart goes out to those who are still stuck with the mindset and body that requires VLC eating to lose weight. I was one of those for most of my life. I believe I'm proof-positive that you can raise your metabolism. And, if it's possible, why wouldn't you want to?

I didn't expect to read this thread and find anything but people advocating denying themselves food, how they are different and how existing on 1000cals a day is fun. Very much enjoyed your post and your story- I'm keeping it in my file. My metabolism is repairing right now and you're right- it feels amazing to be able to be free of the yoke of VLC/starvation/denial of nutrients. Freedom is amazing and reading your story I know it's only going to get better from here and that's electric and exciting! :flowerforyou:

I'm so glad it's helped inspire you. I'm still on the beginning stages of it myself but I see a huge difference. While I think exercise, in general, makes a huge difference with this, I truly believe that lifting heavy has made the biggest difference in my ability to eat more calories.

I'm also quite sad that most people seem to read the first post, as badly flawed as that study was and how it doesn't even really apply to those who are on long-term diets, and think it confirms their misguided approach. I'm betting that in a few weeks or months, we'll be seeing some of them doing the "I'm doing everything right and not losing" posts. Too bad.

lodro

Not eating enough calories is bad for your body. If you believe otherwise, you are an idiot. End of story.

yes, probably, not eating enough calories is what has brought people to this website in the first place <sarcasm mode off>

Sandytoes71

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Bikini_Bound150

Not eating enough calories is bad for your body. If you believe otherwise, you are an idiot. End of story.

yes, probably, not eating enough calories is what has brought people to this website in the first place <sarcasm mode off>

Yes, actually, lots of people are here because they can't lose weight because they are starving their bodies and it doesn't want to let go of that fat. Go ahead and starve yourself and come back in a year. Good luck with that.