Numerous diets suggest that a greatly reduced energy intake is conducive to losing a lot of weight as quickly as possible. However, such behavior is permanently detrimental to both health and the desired weight loss. As soon as the starvation metabolism switches on, further weight loss is associated with difficulties, since functions essential for survival are reduced.
What is starvation metabolism?
If there is a permanent undersupply of nutrients, the organism reduces the basal metabolic rate and goes into starvation metabolism. In this way, the reduced caloric intake does not lead to any further decrease. Metabolism refers to all processes that take place in the cells. Here it concerns both in the building up and decomposition processes. In order to maintain all bodily functions, each cell requires energy. The nutrients absorbed enter the blood through the intestines. The blood cells transport the various elements to the cells. In the cells, in turn, the substances are transformed into others. Metabolism is important for losing weight. Within the framework of biochemical processes, energy is obtained primarily from carbohydrates. However, if there is a permanent undersupply of nutrients, the organism reduces the basal metabolic rate and goes into starvation metabolism. In this way, the reduced calorie intake does not lead to further weight loss. Instead, even more weight can be stored.
Function and task
The starvation metabolism used to ensure the survival of mankind. If an episode of food shortage occurred, the organism slowed down its metabolism. In this way, survival was ensured despite little added energy. Nowadays, however, a considerable abundance of food is found in most Western countries. Thus, starvation metabolism results in obesity as soon as the phase ends and an adequate level of calories is consumed. The slowed metabolism results in a lower demand for energy. Excess calories are stored, resulting in the accumulation of fat deposits. These are designed to protect the body from another hunger episode and are part of an inherited trait that was beneficial several centuries ago. At the same time, the hunger metabolism does not start with every diet. It is only when the energy intake falls below a certain limit that the process slows down. Experts believe that the calorie deficit should be no more than 500 calories below the total requirement to avoid starvation metabolism. Up to a certain deficit, the body uses existing energy reserves to compensate for the deficient food intake. Thus, it can use about 150 grams of triglycerides daily. Most of the energy is needed for vital organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys. Triglycerides are broken down and converted into glycerol and fatty acids. The metabolic processes of glucose, glycerol and amino acids provide energy to the body. However, if the lack of food persists, the processes continue to change. Overall, the organism can reduce its metabolism by about 50 percent. For example, after a certain point, the brain uses only 30 percent of the energy available from an adequate food intake. As soon as no carbohydrates are available, muscle breakdown begins at the same time. Proteins actually serve to build structures. However, when the body is deprived of sugar, it metabolizes muscle proteins. The loss of muscle further reduces the basal metabolic rate of energy. The breakdown of heart muscle is also considered relevant. Overall, starvation metabolism can result in a 25 percent loss of muscle.
Diseases and medical conditions
Starvation metabolism can lead to some ailments. Quite central is the weight loss after the starvation phase is over. The metabolism now runs at a much lower level. Due to the reduction of muscle as well as the reduced energy utilization of some organs, only a smaller amount of calories is burned. The intake of an increased amount of energy then leads to the build-up of fat reserves. In this way, the initial weight often increases. At the same time, the termination of the hunger metabolism takes a longer time. Thus, the energy requirement is limited in the long term.Nevertheless, regular food intake is necessary to bridge the changed processes. The development of overweight cannot be ruled out. Not only the metabolic processes change in the course of a starvation metabolism. Hormonal imbalances occur, especially in women. Menstruation may be absent for an indefinite period of time, possibly leading to further discomfort. In children, the reduced caloric intake can lead to growth disorders. Thus, incomplete physical development cannot be ruled out. This also applies to embryos whose mother has a starvation metabolism. If they develop in such a condition, physical and psychological complaints can often be noticed after birth. On the one hand, the birth weight of the unborn child may be reduced, and on the other hand, the child is often born earlier if it is underfed. These two factors in particular provide a breeding ground for further complications. When endogenous proteins are metabolized as part of a permanent calorie deficiency, urea excretion is often reduced. In some individuals, so-called starvation edema occurs. Overall, a weakening of the immune system can be observed. In this way, the risk of infection increases at the same time. For example, a cold or other illness is thus more frequent during fasting. If starvation continues for a very long time, death cannot be ruled out. This occurs when about one third of the proteins have been destroyed in favor of energy production by the body. According to research, healthy people manage to survive without food for between 30 to 200 days, provided that sufficient fluids are available.
