Supporting scientific techniques and topics

and with that thought, I'll be the first to post a topic.

I'll set it up a bit. Lots of talk about starvation mode around here, lots of "theories" out there and lots of people complaining about it, and I agree that people throw around the term rather loosely, but that doesn't lessen the actual science (the actual provable science) behind it (which is quite solid people).

I found a fantastic study done on starvation mode (essentially) using actual control groups, real measured numbers, and very solid and repeatable conclusions. LOVE this research. And this isn't new science either guys, it's from 1995.

It's called "Feeding, fasting and starvation: factors affecting fuel utilization"
BY I. A. MACDONALD AND J. WEBBER
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nottingham Medical School,
Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH

here's the link to the full text pdf
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=789564&jid=PNS&volumeId=54&issueId=01&aid=789556#

so what do people think about it? The research I posted that is.

I read it and this is what I think.

During a 7 day undernourishment study, the body first begins by utilizing it's glycogenic energy stores, for about 48 to 72 hours the body runs happily along using those stores, and upping the fat oxidation for gluconeogenesis and thus keeping energy levels high, even allowing us to increase fat burn. But at around 72 hours that all changes, the metabolism rapidly slows (RMR dropped an average of 16 % from pre-test rates) and adipose tissue storage (fat storage) becomes a primary function in the metabolic pathways. Also stored amino acid is mobilized at a higher rate and muscle mass is used as a fuel substrate at a much higher rate than under normal feeding conditions.
This tells me that a non-obese individual under a high caloric restriction for multiple days (for instance someone eating about 1/2 of their maintenance calories + exercise calories) will reduce fat loss and increase muscle degeneration, all the while their base RMR will be reduced by approximately 16 percent. This last part is significant because during refeeding (raising your calories to something closer to maintenance) the body will stay at that lower RMR for a short period, meaning greater fat storage. This alone destroys much of the effect of the original weight loss.

That being said, to me this means that yes, you continue to lose weight when at a severe caloric restriction, but the % of weight lost that is FFM (Fat Free Mass) goes up, meaning muscle loss, and you don't lose enough extra weight to make it a worthy process. I'll note that the overall metabolic changes are slower to occur in obese individuals and require a greater gap in calories than in non-obese individuals which is why those who are obese can afford a larger calorie deficit with less drawbacks.

Anyone else?

I agree with your synopsis of the information. I would add that it appears to be beneficial for weight loss to use caloric restriction for short periods of time... less than 72 hours. I actually know a group of women at work who prove this theory over and over again... they do the slim-fast diet 3 days a week for a period of time; they all lose weight. The problem is, they don't increase their activity or make any real changes to their daily diet routine that they plan to sustain... so the weight comes back on.

I may try this at some point to break through a plateau. But for now, I am satisfied with my very slow reduction in weight. I have focused on trying to stay within my target calorie intake, and get regular exercise. I do drink a low calorie (190 cal) protein shake after exercise, and try to eat a low fat diet. For me, this seems sustainable for a lifetime, and have lost 7 actual pounds since September!

yep, this is commonly referred to as calorie cycling, it's quite common and effective if done correctly. but I also agree, psychological factors need to be taken into account, as the re-feeding portion can be a serious problem, and many studies have proven that "yo-yoing" back and forth from low weight to high weight is worse for you than staying consistently at the high weight (even in obesity). Essentially, for long term maintenance of weight loss, eventually you need to make the change a gradual slope as to not incur the re-feeding penalties associated with severe caloric deficits.