Starvation MODE MYTH BUSTED
hkry3250
Posts: 140
Ok guys as a personal trainer, I have access to a question board online through my school, "International Sports Sciences Association" (ISSA). I got tired of people having the wrong information about the "starvation mode", so I posted the question, but unbeknown to me, after I searched the question board, it was already answered. So, here's the answer by Patrick Gamboa "Mr. Gamboa has been in the fitness industry for over thirteen years and is an industry leader, educator, writer, consultant, coach and trainer whose educational background includes Bachelors and Associates of Sciences degrees in Exercise Physiology and Biology respectively. He is an ISSA Master of Fitness Sciences, an ISSA Master of Sports Sciences and the Head Master Trainer for the ISSA with more than 15 Fitness and Nutrition related certifications including: Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Specialist in Performance Nutrition, Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults, Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning, Youth Fitness, Water Fitness, Endurance Fitness, Golf Fitness Specialist, Specialist in Adaptive Fitness, Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist and certificates in Pre-Natal and Post Partum Exercise, Exercise and Fibromyalgia, Unilateral Training, Plyometrics to enhance SQS, Exercise and Arthritis, Exercise and Diabetes, Exercise and MS, Foam Roller Training and more" here's his answer to another trainer. Hope you don't get tired of reading. I'll have his answer to my question tomorrow, I asked for references.
Tracy, good evening I hope you are well and enjoying your Wednesday night. With regard to your question and in addition to what Laura so kindly shared, consider the following. Consider what happens if you do not eat some protein every 3 to 4 hours. The fate of an amino acid after it is transported to the liver is highly dependent on the body’s needs for that moment. Some amino acids enter the blood stream, where they join amino acids that have been liberated during the constant breakdown and synthesis of body tissue. Other amino acids are used by the liver to manufacture many of the specialized proteins such as liver enzymes, lipoproteins, and the blood protein (albumin). As these amino acids circulate throughout the body, each cell directed by its own DNA blue print, draws from the common pool of available amino acids to synthesize all the numerous proteins required for its functions.
In order for protein synthesis to occur, an adequate supply of both essential and non-essential amino acids is vital. If one of the essential amino acids is missing then synthesis is halted. These partially assembled proteins are disassembled and the amino acids returned to the blood. Any amino acids that are not used within a short time can not be stored for future use. They are delivered back to the liver and stripped of their nitrogen. Which is then incorporated into urea and excreted by the kidneys. The remaining protein skeleton will be converted to glucose and burned as energy or converted to fat or glycogen for storage.
Although protein synthesis is very important, the body’s number one priority is to obtain sufficient energy to carry on vital functions such as circulation, respiration and digestion. Therefore, in the absence of adequate dietary carbohydrates and fat calories, the body will break down not only dietary protein but protein in the blood, liver, pancreas, muscles, and other tissues in order to maintain vital organs and functions.
We hope this helps.
ETA: Ugh, I think I worded the heading wrong. I wasn't trying to say there is no starvation mode, I meant to say that I busted the MYTH part and there is a starvation mode. Sorry, it's 3am here, and I'm tired.
Tracy, good evening I hope you are well and enjoying your Wednesday night. With regard to your question and in addition to what Laura so kindly shared, consider the following. Consider what happens if you do not eat some protein every 3 to 4 hours. The fate of an amino acid after it is transported to the liver is highly dependent on the body’s needs for that moment. Some amino acids enter the blood stream, where they join amino acids that have been liberated during the constant breakdown and synthesis of body tissue. Other amino acids are used by the liver to manufacture many of the specialized proteins such as liver enzymes, lipoproteins, and the blood protein (albumin). As these amino acids circulate throughout the body, each cell directed by its own DNA blue print, draws from the common pool of available amino acids to synthesize all the numerous proteins required for its functions.
In order for protein synthesis to occur, an adequate supply of both essential and non-essential amino acids is vital. If one of the essential amino acids is missing then synthesis is halted. These partially assembled proteins are disassembled and the amino acids returned to the blood. Any amino acids that are not used within a short time can not be stored for future use. They are delivered back to the liver and stripped of their nitrogen. Which is then incorporated into urea and excreted by the kidneys. The remaining protein skeleton will be converted to glucose and burned as energy or converted to fat or glycogen for storage.
Although protein synthesis is very important, the body’s number one priority is to obtain sufficient energy to carry on vital functions such as circulation, respiration and digestion. Therefore, in the absence of adequate dietary carbohydrates and fat calories, the body will break down not only dietary protein but protein in the blood, liver, pancreas, muscles, and other tissues in order to maintain vital organs and functions.
We hope this helps.
ETA: Ugh, I think I worded the heading wrong. I wasn't trying to say there is no starvation mode, I meant to say that I busted the MYTH part and there is a starvation mode. Sorry, it's 3am here, and I'm tired.
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Replies
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Im not a professional, but the one thing that has always bothered me about the starvation mode arguement, is... How do you explain those who have the lap band and gastric bypass? Those people are only taking in between 500-800 calories a day, and they continue to lose weight until they are sticks. Why do they not go into this "starvation mode?" My 400 pound brother had the lap band, and in 1 year, lost so much weight, they had to remove it... He was eating under 1000 calories a day, and never went into stavation mode...0
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Yes, but as most people know about that type of surgery, you lose weight at such a fast pace, you also lose a lot of muscle, which is why it should always be your last option. Because once you're done, you have no lean mass to support your metabolism. Starvation mode, doesn't necessarily mean you're not losing weight, it means that you're losing lean muscle as well as fat. Hence the reason to only lose 1-2lbs per week, otherwise you start losing lean body mass.Im not a professional, but the one thing that has always bothered me about the starvation mode arguement, is... How do you explain those who have the lap band and gastric bypass? Those people are only taking in between 500-800 calories a day, and they continue to lose weight until they are sticks. Why do they not go into this "starvation mode?" My 400 pound brother had the lap band, and in 1 year, lost so much weight, they had to remove it... He was eating under 1000 calories a day, and never went into stavation mode...0 -
Yes, but as most people know about that type of surgery, you lose weight at such a fast pace, you also lose a lot of muscle, which is why it should always be your last option. Because once you're done, you have no lean mass to support your metabolism. Starvation mode, doesn't necessarily mean you're not losing weigt, it means that you're losing lean muscle as well as fat.Im not a professional, but the one thing that has always bothered me about the starvation mode arguement, is... How do you explain those who have the lap band and gastric bypass? Those people are only taking in between 500-800 calories a day, and they continue to lose weight until they are sticks. Why do they not go into this "starvation mode?" My 400 pound brother had the lap band, and in 1 year, lost so much weight, they had to remove it... He was eating under 1000 calories a day, and never went into stavation mode...
I can understand that... But with my brother, he played football for UNLV, and even though he was pretty fat, he did have alot of muscle, and when all that fat melted away, underneath he had such a nice muscular form... I dont know, its all very confusing to me... But thanks for all the info, it was very interesting to read!0 -
The title says 'myth busted' - all I see is a blog about protein synthesis. How is this dispelling any myth or proving it for that matter?
ETA: I am not disagreeing that this happens, I am just unsure of what this proves.0 -
Your brother lifted weights and was more than likely eating a calorie surplus. This two coupled together means muscle was being built, even though he was "pretty fat". When he lost the weight, the muscle was exposed.
Yes, but as most people know about that type of surgery, you lose weight at such a fast pace, you also lose a lot of muscle, which is why it should always be your last option. Because once you're done, you have no lean mass to support your metabolism. Starvation mode, doesn't necessarily mean you're not losing weigt, it means that you're losing lean muscle as well as fat.Im not a professional, but the one thing that has always bothered me about the starvation mode arguement, is... How do you explain those who have the lap band and gastric bypass? Those people are only taking in between 500-800 calories a day, and they continue to lose weight until they are sticks. Why do they not go into this "starvation mode?" My 400 pound brother had the lap band, and in 1 year, lost so much weight, they had to remove it... He was eating under 1000 calories a day, and never went into stavation mode...
I can understand that... But with my brother, he played football for UNLV, and even though he was pretty fat, he did have alot of muscle, and when all that fat melted away, underneath he had such a nice muscular form... I dont know, its all very confusing to me... But thanks for all the info, it was very interesting to read!0 -
Lol, yes I titled it wrong, sorry. But, look at the last paragraph. It says that when your body isn't getting a constant flow of protein every 3-4 hours it draws protein from other organs, thus in turn taking it away from muscle tissue in order to feed more protein to the vital organs.The title says 'myth busted' - all I see is a blog about protein synthesis. How is this dispelling any myth or proving it for that matter?
ETA: I am not disagreeing that this happens, I am just unsure of what this proves.0 -
Lol, yes I titled it wrong. But, look at the last paragraph. It says that when your body isn't getting a constant flow of protein every 3-4 hours it draws protein from other organs, thus in turn taking it away from muscle tissue in order to feed more protein to the vital organs which need protein more than muscle tissue.The title says 'myth busted' - all I see is a blog about protein synthesis. How is this dispelling any myth or proving it for that matter?
ETA: I am not disagreeing that this happens, I am just unsure of what this proves.
Where is the 3 - 4 hour time period from? Can you find a source for that?0 -
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Ugh, it's too late for this, but I'm here to help so, You cand find the source in most books on bodybuilding and such, but a simple answer to save you time, is because protein synthesis starts 3 hours after ingesting it, therfore 3-4 hours between protein intake is optimal since your body begins breaking it down for use.
Lol, yes I titled it wrong. But, look at the last paragraph. It says that when your body isn't getting a constant flow of protein every 3-4 hours it draws protein from other organs, thus in turn taking it away from muscle tissue in order to feed more protein to the vital organs which need protein more than muscle tissue.The title says 'myth busted' - all I see is a blog about protein synthesis. How is this dispelling any myth or proving it for that matter?
ETA: I am not disagreeing that this happens, I am just unsure of what this proves.
Where is the 3 - 4 hour time period from? Can you find a source for that?0 -
So to "bust a myth" you've posted a blog by someone else
Even the Wikipedia article makes more sense, and has citations and references.0 -
by the way OP you dont look like a personal trainer.0
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Never knew you had to look a certain way to get an education. Maybe you should read my profile before judging. My certification is on there too btw. Some people are so narrow minded. Do I look like I have an IQ of 199, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a brown belt in Shotokan Karate, I used to play baseball, football, and basketball? Probably not, but hey, I guess we all have to look the part don't we. SMDHby the way OP you dont look like a personal trainer.0 -
by the way OP you dont look like a personal trainer.
I look like a PT and coach yet no believes me either when I say the same things :laugh:
You can't win.0 -
Never knew you had to look a certain way to get an education. Maybe you should read my profile before judging. My certification is on there too btw. Some people are so narrow minded. Do I look like I have an IQ of 199, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a brown belt in Shotokan Karate, I used to play baseball, football, and basketball? Probably not, but hey, I guess we all have to look the part don't we. SMDH
I don't question you because of how you look. I question you because I think the quality of the information you put out is bogus.
What happened to being in college chemistry and those accolades?
And an IQ of 199? Why aren't you on this list? http://onemansblog.com/2007/11/08/the-massive-list-of-genius-people-with-the-highest-iq/
You just keep tacking on claims to support your credentials.0 -
Myth busting involves peer reviewed research published in reputable journals, I see none. Plenty of unscientific bullsh1t written in commercial bodybuilding/ fitness/ diet books and blogs. Anyone with an honours degree in a biological discipline should be able to distinguish between a primary and secondary source.0
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Saw the edit, I was going to say that article didn't match up. Posting at 3 am is dangerous. even more so at 6:20 am. o.x0
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I see the problem, neither you or your friend know what starvation mode is, thanks for playing.
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Three to four hours after eating protein the body goes into "starvation mode". This is what you're saying?
Mmkay0 -
Be very very careful about the title, your explanation touches on a tiny part of the metabolic process and doesn't go over longer term reductions in RMR, Fat metabolism, hormone production, or many other parts of the famine response.
I'm not saying what you quoted isn't true or accurate, it is, but starvation mode is a real, and very complex topic, protein synthesis is only a very small part of it.0 -
i call BS as everything I have read indicates that it takes about 72 hours of eating nothing to go into starvation mode and have your body start eating away at muscle...
so if I skip breakfast and eat lunch i am in starvation mode???????????
www.leangains.com0 -
Agree.....we have beat this dead horse over and over..........0 -
People are so rude it blows my mind. This site is about people helping people. If they don't like what one person has so kindly taken a moment to share then they should move on!!!0
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Did Mr. Gamboa take into account how much food you eat at a time and the type of protein in his "3 to 4 hour" comment?
This issue will never be settled on here, partly because people aren't even in agreement about the definition of "starvation mode."
TiaMcDonald>> Nobody is being rude, we're just debating ideas. That's how knowledge is gained.0 -
LOL0
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My day is complete, lol I got to read another post about starvation mode and how if we don't eat enough calories (because nutrition doesn't matter just calories) we are all going to turn into gumby and all be skinny fat, LOL (no one has ever posted a picture of a skinny fat person I keep asking)
To the OP, so as long as I eat nothing but protein every 3-4 hours I can avoid starvation mode AND stay on a low cal diet?0 -
Discussion is one thing. Saying that he "doesn't even look like a personal trainer" is rude. As well as other comments. The dietician at my old job certainly didn't look like she knew about healthy eating... but she is a smart & beautiful person and I would never judge her knowledge based on her appearance.0
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My daughter lost 100 pounds just eating tuna fish and pickles. It took her about 6 months after she had a baby. I don't know how she did it but she did. I would imagine she ate about 500 calories a day with a few cheat days here and there. She worked out the whole time so didn't lose any muscle. She looks terrific. I wish I had her willpower but she did it and that is the truth. So I don't believe in the starvation mode. Plus look at the people on Survivor, they keep losing weight. And also there are the people on doctors weight loss diets such as Medifast (That MFP advertises) and on that diet you eat only around 700 calories. My friends daughter lost all kinds of weight on Medifast. I think the body will go into starvation mode if you starve it for days at a time but eating a small amount of calories won't do it. And then there are the people with gastric bypass surgery who lose too and they eat hardly nothing. Sorry, starvation mode just doesn't make sense to me. Especially what I witnessed what my daughter. In my opinion, the less you eat the better. Taking vitamins is key to staying healthy and when you do eat make sure it's not junk food. I am aware the body needs nutrition. Good luck everybody!!0
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Discussion is one thing. Saying that he "doesn't even look like a personal trainer" is rude. As well as other comments. The dietician at my old job certainly didn't look like she knew about healthy eating... but she is a smart & beautiful person and I would never judge her knowledge based on her appearance.
Hmmm... I guess I was just ignoring the rude stuff.0 -
Brunner - that would be the smart thing to do.0
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Instead of all us laymen debating this topic, just googler starvation mode. You will find numerous controlled real world studies showing no difference between eating 5 - 300 calorie meals a day vs. 1 - 1500 calorie meal as well as that there is no measurable difference in ones ability to break down fat until body fat percentages get really low. All of the evidence showing otherwise is theoretical. Gaining lean muscle mass is an entirely different conversation.0
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