Starvation mode..

t1nk6
t1nk6 Posts: 215
in Food and Nutrition
How can you tell if your body has gone into starvation mode and what can you do about it?

Replies

  • MikeBenWilliams
    MikeBenWilliams Posts: 53
    This may help

    http://youtu.be/QHHzie6XRGk
  • Showcase_Brodown
    Showcase_Brodown Posts: 919 Member
    Have you been fasting for at least 3 days? Have you been on a very low calorie diet for a while? Is your basal metabolic rate slightly lower than you'd predict or expect after losing weight?

    In the unlikely event that you are actually in starvation mode, the easiest solution is to eat a little bit more. For instance, ramp up to a 20% deficit if you have been going lower than that in calories.
  • LeanneGoingThin
    LeanneGoingThin Posts: 215 Member
    You can't, because apart from losing extra muscle, starvation mode doesn't really exist. Just make sure you're not eating too few calories, because then you will lose more muscle and you risk not getting enough nutrition out of your food.
  • Showcase_Brodown
    Showcase_Brodown Posts: 919 Member
    You can't, because apart from losing extra muscle, starvation mode doesn't really exist. Just make sure you're not eating too few calories, because then you will lose more muscle and you risk not getting enough nutrition out of your food.

    To be fair, it does exist. There is something called adaptive thermogenesis, which is usually what people are referring to when they say "starvation mode." The significance of it is another debate.
  • frenchfacey
    frenchfacey Posts: 237 Member
    OOooO Starvation mode!! YAY!!!
  • Fishshtick
    Fishshtick Posts: 120 Member
    1) Your belly button will start flashing red...
    2) Seriously...are you losing weight? If you are losing weight then by definition you are already in one type of starvation mode as your body is metabolizing reserves. You can go too far though, at which point your body will start to kick in other protective measures, like reducing your BMR. If your are very tired, experience regular headaches or dizziness, or experience regular chills you are probably pushing things too hard. Fortunately it's not too hard to fix. Just up your calories.
  • carolemack
    carolemack Posts: 1,276 Member
    1) Your belly button will start flashing red...

    Seriously...you just made me spray my water all over the place and almost choke to death! Thanks for the belly laugh! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • t1nk6
    t1nk6 Posts: 215
    This may help

    http://youtu.be/QHHzie6XRGk

    Thanks I'll have a look at that :)

    1000-1200 cal diet.. over 5 weeks now, no exercise and im losing but very little now, its more the headaches, migraines and no periods i was wondering about.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    Eating very few calories can cause some adaptive thermogenesis but never enough to stop or reverse weight loss. You might see a reduction in BMR of maybe 10% at the most, but mainly it's bs.

    The other time it's somewhat relevant, is in the very lean. Your maximum calorie deficit is 31.4 x pounds of body fat. If someone is 130lbs and 10% body fat, they only have 13lbs of fat left. Their maximum calorie deficit would be about 400 calories. If they go below this, they will lose lean tissue (muscle, organs, etc.) but for the obese/overweight this isn't a problem.

    From /r/fitness FAQ: "Starvation mode is a myth that was popularized due to the Minnesota Starvation Experiment in which subjects were given 50% of their daily calorie intake for months. The result? Well, they lost weight until they had almost no weight left to lose and their bodies simply could not get the calories ANYWHERE. Concisely put: starvation mode happens when you are, quite literally, wasting away. Not when you have a simple caloric deficit. Your body will make up for it with fat stores. That's what they're for. Do not worry about starvation mode."
  • t1nk6
    t1nk6 Posts: 215
    Thanks ;)
  • ebonyroche
    ebonyroche Posts: 682 Member
    You just made me choke on my peach!!!! And then burst into laughter which have my coworkers looking at me funny!!!
    1) Your belly button will start flashing red...
  • LoosingMyLast15
    LoosingMyLast15 Posts: 1,457 Member
    1) Your belly button will start flashing red...

    I just snorted OUT LOUD!
  • t1nk6
    t1nk6 Posts: 215
    Your belly button will start flashing red...

    Useless info.. i can't even see my belly button :tongue:

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