Dominic Stone
Starvation has been used as a method of weight loss for many people, but it can have detrimental effects on the body. Starvation diets are extremely low-calorie diets that restrict calories far below the daily energy needs of an individual. While they may lead to rapid weight loss, they can also cause muscle loss, decreased basal metabolic rate, and increased body fat. Studies have shown that starvation leads to a loss of lean muscle, organ tissue, and skeletal mass. This results in a decline in stamina, strength, and overall physical effectiveness. The body's systems do not reset after starvation, and once a person returns to a normal calorie level, the body cannot adapt, leading to the storage of extra calories as fat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Loss of muscle mass | Loss of muscle mass, changes in muscle contractility and atrophy of muscle fibers (predominantly type II fibers) |
| Changes in muscle morphology | Adjustments in muscle morphology and muscle physiological function |
| Changes in muscle function | Reduced strength and work capacity |
| Increased urge for movement | Increased urge for movement and preserved spontaneous activity |
| Increased appetite | Activates “collateral fattening,” which increases appetite |
| Increased body fat | The body stores extra calories as fat |
| Impaired fat loss | The breakdown of muscle tissue can impair fat loss |
| Hormonal changes | Hormones like cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones are affected by starvation |
| Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures | Malnutrition is a risk factor for low bone density |
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Muscle wasting
During starvation, the body's primary energy source shifts from dietary carbohydrates to stored energy in the form of fat. While this can result in a considerable loss of body fat, the body may also start to break down muscle tissue for energy, leading to muscle wasting. This process is influenced by hormonal changes, with elevated levels of cortisol, for example, associated with increased fat accumulation and muscle loss.
Research has shown that starvation leads to a loss of lean muscle, organ tissue, and skeletal mass. In particular, muscle wasting occurs in the legs and arms, and studies have found that work capacity in men and women declines significantly during starvation.
Therefore, while starvation diets may lead to rapid weight loss, they can have detrimental effects on muscle mass and overall health, and are not recommended as a sustainable method for weight loss.
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Muscle atrophy
Starvation does cause muscle loss. This occurs because the body, in a state of starvation, starts to break down muscle tissue, causing a decrease in muscle size and strength. This is known as muscle atrophy.
There are three types of muscle atrophy: physiologic, pathologic, and neurogenic. Physiologic atrophy is caused by not using the muscles enough, and this type of atrophy can often be reversed with exercise and better nutrition. Pathologic atrophy is seen with ageing, starvation, and diseases such as Cushing's disease. Neurogenic atrophy is caused by an injury or disease affecting nerves that connect to the muscles. When these nerves are damaged, they cannot trigger the muscle contractions needed to stimulate muscle activity, so the body starts to break the muscles down. This type of atrophy tends to occur more suddenly than physiologic atrophy.
The time it takes for muscles to atrophy depends on age, fitness level, and the cause of atrophy. Physiologic atrophy can start within two to three weeks of not using the muscles. Neurogenic atrophy may develop sooner, depending on the person's health condition.
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Loss of muscle mass
During starvation, the body's primary source of energy shifts from dietary carbohydrates to stored energy in the form of fat. However, if the body's energy demands are not met by dietary intake, it will start to break down muscle tissue to fuel bodily functions. This process is particularly evident in the muscles of the legs and arms, leading to a decline in stamina, strength, and overall physical effectiveness.
Research has shown that individuals who experience starvation lose a significant amount of muscle mass, especially in the thighs and trunk. This loss of muscle mass can make it difficult to perform the same physical activities as before. Additionally, the body's reduced ability to synthesise protein for muscle repair and growth during starvation further contributes to muscle wasting.
In the context of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, individuals may remain active and mobile despite severe undernutrition. Studies have found that the loss of muscle mass and adjustments in muscle morphology and function in these individuals are similar to the adaptations observed in healthy individuals experiencing long-term starvation. This highlights the body's attempt to preserve physical activity even during periods of starvation.
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Increased body fat
Starvation is a set of adaptive biochemical and physiological changes triggered by a lack of food or extreme weight loss. The body seeks to conserve energy by reducing metabolic rate and non-resting energy expenditure to prolong survival and preserve body fat and lean mass.
Initially, the body breaks down glycogen, a form of stored carbohydrates in the muscles and liver. Once these glycogen stores are depleted, the body begins to burn fat reserves and consume muscle and other tissues, using the proteins within muscle tissue as a fuel source. This results in muscle mass loss.
However, starvation can also lead to increased body fat in several ways. Firstly, during starvation, the body's primary source of energy shifts from dietary carbohydrates to stored energy in the form of fat. The body mobilizes fat stores to provide energy for its functions during periods of low energy intake. Studies suggest that those who go without food for extended periods can lose a significant amount of body fat.
Secondly, starvation causes increased cortisol levels, which have been linked to increased fat mass in humans. Cortisol is a hormone that plays a role in controlling metabolism and muscle growth, and its fluctuations can influence physical appearance and health over time.
Additionally, in the context of weight loss, the term "starvation mode" refers to the body's response of burning fewer calories to conserve energy. This adaptation can slow weight loss over time but will not cause weight gain despite calorie restriction. While starvation mode primarily refers to metabolic changes, it can also impact an individual's behaviour, making them feel hungrier, lazier, and increasing food cravings. These effects can lead to weight regain, but this is due to behavioural changes rather than a direct physiological increase in body fat.
Overall, while starvation typically results in fat loss, it can also lead to increased body fat due to the body's complex metabolic adaptations and hormonal fluctuations.
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Hormone changes
Starvation causes a reduction in the release of substrate amino acids from skeletal muscle, which leads to decreased gluconeogenesis. Brief starvation is associated with an increase in gluconeogenesis, indicating an increased release of amino acids from muscle. Prolonged starvation, however, results in a reduction of amino acid release. During starvation, the body prioritises the brain's need for glucose, which comes at the cost of muscle loss.
Hormones such as cortisol, insulin, and thyroid hormones are all affected by starvation. Cortisol, in particular, is released during stressful situations, and prolonged exposure to elevated levels of cortisol is associated with increased fat accumulation, a slowdown in metabolism, and muscle mass loss.
Additionally, starvation causes a decrease in insulin levels, which may explain the adaptation of peripheral tissue metabolism during brief starvation.
Growth hormones and testosterone also play a role in controlling metabolism and muscle growth, and their levels vary during starvation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, starvation causes muscle loss. During starvation, the body's primary source of energy shifts from dietary carbohydrates to stored energy in the form of fat. If the body's energy demands are not met by dietary intake, it may start to break down muscle tissue for energy, leading to muscle loss.
Body composition refers to how much fat an individual has compared to muscle, bone, and organ mass. Extreme weight loss causes a shift in body composition away from lean mass and towards fat. This can lead to a decline in stamina, strength, and overall physical effectiveness.
Starvation can have serious long-term health effects. It can lead to malnutrition, which makes survival from serious injury, infection, and disease less likely. Malnutrition can also slow tissue repair and delay recovery after illness. Additionally, the body's systems do not "reset" after starvation, and the body will store extra calories as fat instead of rebuilding lost lean muscle mass.
