Starvation Mode Causes Weight Gain
Starvation diets, eating disorders and malnutrition will all have one effect on weight gain and fat storage in particular – it increases the extent of fat accumulation within the body. You would think that the drastically reduced calorie intake when you are starving would inadvertently lead to weight loss based on the basic principles of weight management.
After all if calorie input through food is lower that calorie output through physical activity, one would lose weight. In terms of starvation, however, this is not the case as the body switches into ‘starvation mode’ and triggers a hormonal response that is not conducive for weight loss.
For further clarity, any of these conditions can trigger the body to switch into ‘starvation mode’ :
- Calorie-resticted diets that limit consumption below 1,000 calories per day for an adult.
- Skipping meals for long periods during waking hours and eating only one proper meal in a day.
- Undernourishment and malnutrition.
- Eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia nervosa, binge-eating and compulsive over-eating.
The starvation ‘mode’ is a survival response triggered when the body lacks sufficient nutrition for long periods. This reestablishes the metabolic rate of the body and a lower set point is maintained so that the body consumes minimal calories for energy production. The first symptoms associated with this response are fatigue, poor concentration, dizziness and constipation.
If a normal calorie intake cannot be restored, weight loss and muscle wasting will occur. This typically fits in with the image of a starving child due to famine or an anorexic. In this case, a person’s life is under threat unless proper nutrition can be restored and maintained.
Once a normal eating pattern returns, the body will continue to operate at starvation mode, contemplating the next period of starvation. In this instance, the body will store as many calories as possible as fat and use only minimal amounts for the body’s daily energy needs. Fatigue and poor concentration often persists and the person is also at a higher risk of developing conditions like diabetes.
If you are considering a weight loss program, always speak to a medical doctor or dietitian about a medical weight loss diet. Most medical weight loss plans will ensure that the starvation mode is not triggered despite a reduced calorie intake.