Does the body actually go into "starvation mode"?
QueerAbuela
Posts: 23 Member
Hey! I'm very new to MFP and weight loss in general. I'm 4' 10" and already don't need many calories to maintain my current weight, so now that I'm trying to lose weight my calorie goal is even smaller.
I've always heard that you won't lose weight if you eat too low calorie because your body goes into "starvation mode". Is there any truth to that and if so how can I avoid that happening?
I've always heard that you won't lose weight if you eat too low calorie because your body goes into "starvation mode". Is there any truth to that and if so how can I avoid that happening?
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Not true. If you use the "Search" button just above the top of the title of this post, you will find ALL kinds of previous posts on this topic.
Welcome to MFP!0 -
I don't actually think so (well not for me). Some days my net calories are less than 300 and I still lose a lot of weight. I think as long as there is a calorie deficit it works.0
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Thank you very much! I'll definitely check those out.0
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Yes...if you're stranded on a desert island for 2 weeks with nothing to eat.
Otherwise...no.0 -
Thanks for asking this. I have the same question. I am 5foot tall and 45 yo and my maintenance calaries are at 1280, subtract 500 to lose weight and I am at 780 calories! Seems like we are told over and over to never go below 1200. I will do more searching on MFP for more info.0
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It isn't true that you won't lose weight, but it is possible to reach a point at which your body shuts down less important functions and burns fewer calories than normal.0
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I don't know about actual starvation mode, but I do know that eating at a low level for several years can suppress the metabolism. I ate at 1200 for several years and stopped losing. I'm now working on increasing my metabolism because the calculators say that I can maintain at 2000, which I couldn't even imagine as I'd gain at 1400. I've been adding 100 calories per day, increasing by 100 each week (known as 'reverse dieting'), and I'm currently maintaining at 1800 so I have hope that the 2000 figure is true. Once I maintain at 2000 for a while, I'll then drop to 1500 or 1600 and lose again.0
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[/list]Possible? Yes.
Common? No.
If you find that you are consistently, drastically (not recommended, btw) undereating for long periods of time, you are absolutely sure you are logging 100% accurately, then...maybe?
But it's unlikely you're gonna just fall into it.
Maintain your recommended calorie deficit and you shouldn't have any problems.0 -
thanks for the help everyone!0
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To sum it up - while a calorific deficit is important when losing weight, you aren't doing yourself any favours if you aren't eating enough calories, macro and micronutrients to support your body's functioning.0
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Is it possible to cause metabolic damage to your body long term (by starving yourself for a long time)?
Maybe, but probably not.
If you cut more calories you will lose more weight, PERIOD!
Remember the goal is never weight loss but fat loss so make sure you get adequate amount of protein while on a cut so you dont lose any muscle. You want the body to always burn fat before muscle.0 -
If you don't eat enough, you will starve, yes. Your body will break down its own lean muscle, and eventually the organs.
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Yes, Virginia, there is a starvation mode.
But it's hard to get there, and is not what most people think it is.
No, you will not stop losing weight if you cut calories too low. Your body has to use energy to run. It won't store fat unless you're in a surplus.
If it doesn't have carbs (glucose, glycogen), it will burn fat, then muscle. _That_ is starvation mode (burning muscle), and is the body making a hail Mary hoping that you'll eat food before your heart & diaphragm can't work any more & you die.
Here's a very good explanation of the whole mess:
http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/starvation-mode/
And yes, if it's drastic enough your metabolism will slow, sometimes permanently.0 -
No, there is however metabolic adaptation, but I wouldn't worry about that either.0
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