What Happens When the Human Body is Starved?

What happens when the human body is starved? A common theory is that when the body is consuming restricted calories, it goes into "starvation mode" and starts storing fat. Watch this week's vlog to find out whether I confirm or debunk this theory.

[camillacaughlin]

Thanks for discussing this subject. I have experienced hunger, although there is a lot of food to eat, I also experience anxiety between meals, with a feeling of not having enough to eat because I am eating three meals a day instead of thirty three plus snacks.

[pmv]

Great vlog. So happy that this myth is debunked. Clearly with our sustainable weight loss program we are not in starvation mode, as we are getting so many nutritional foods. I for one have not experienced any hunger while on the program.

[dyanmcmiller]

My understanding is you could be eating 2500+ calories a day of unhealthy processed foods and your body will be starving. Loved the vlog.

[carolwillis]

If calories drop below about 1200, the body raises reverse-T3, which slows metabolism through turning down thyroid hormone.  This is a defense against catabolism, the body trying to buy time, tread water so to speak, slow the meltdown until the person can find food in a famine.  In a famine, maintaining body weight is desirable and pro-survival.  In a time where food is abundant or could we say "over-abundant, "  many people have a goal to lose weight (up to a point) as being pro-survival.