Starving And Weight Loss

Starving And Weight Loss

Starving yourself is counterproductive for your diet and metabolism because it can lead to physical, hormonal, and psychological consequences that ultimately sabotage fat loss and long-term health.

Here are 3 reasons why this is never the right approach to fat loss:

1. Your Metabolism Slows Down

When you drastically cut calories:

  • Your body enters "survival mode” and starts conserving energy.

  • This leads to a drop in basal metabolic rate (BMR), meaning you burn fewer calories at rest.

  • The longer the starvation, the more your body adapts to the lower intake, making weight loss harder over time.

2. Muscle Loss Instead of Fat Loss

  • Without enough energy or protein, your body may break down muscle tissue for fuel.

  • Losing muscle lowers your metabolism further, since muscle burns more calories than fat.

  • The result: You may lose weight, but your body composition gets worse (less muscle, more fat over time).

3. Increased Cravings and Binge Eating

  • Severe calorie restriction increases hunger hormones.

  • This often leads to strong cravings, irritability, and eventual binge eating.

  • It becomes a cycle: starve → binge → guilt → starve again.

 

Here is a better strategy.  Eat enough to fuel fat loss:

 

  • Create a moderate calorie deficit (typically 300–500 calories/day below maintenance)

  • Prioritize protein to maintain muscle

  • Strength train and stay active

  • Aim for consistency over extremes

 

Laura Hobson