Starvation Mode Rant

I am sorry I have to say this, and after reading a good amount of post, I want everyone to know: starvation mode is not the answer to everything!

I don't know if it's just me, but I have noticed a lot of useless comments about starvation mode and it seems to be a reply to every question. "Why aren't I losing weight----Oh your in starvation mode". "Why do I have irregular bowel movements---it's cause you are in starvation mode". And you know what else, people are always telling other people that they have eating disorders and are eating to little. Being helpful is one thing, but being disrespectful is another.

When I ask a question, I usually want an answer because I don't know the answer. I'm sick of hearing about starvation mode. If everyone was starving we would all be skinny!

Original Post by spirochete:

Original Post by shaikha:

After writing a huge essay I didn't think that anyone would still be confused. Ok One more time....Thanks for your concern but I already know this, my knowledge on starvation mode and starving or whatever was never what I was trying to debate.

Why are you so snarky

I don't know shaikha, but after reading every response to this post, nearly all of which misunderstood or perhaps didn't actually read her original comment, and most of which attacked her or 'people like her' in some way or another by extrapolating 'facts' from imaginary information she never provided, I'd say she's 'snarky' because she's frustrated as hell trying to have an intelligent conversation around here.  But that's just the impression I got.

As to your original point, I agree, "starvation mode" is way way overused in this forum.  It seems to be the answer to everything and is stated as unassailable fact.  I would love to know where the term came from and also that 1200 calories that is always floating around (i.e. a scientific article and not a link to a random website).

 

To bipolypesca, Thank you so much for understanding! To everyone on here that I have offended, I'm sorry honestly I'm not mean, I don't get rattled up easily and I usually try to be helpful...but this post really got me frustrated and resulted in me attacking back.

Original Post by bipolypesca:

I don't know shaikha, but after reading every response to this post, nearly all of which misunderstood or perhaps didn't actually read her original comment, and most of which attacked her or 'people like her' in some way or another by extrapolating 'facts' from imaginary information she never provided, I'd say she's 'snarky' because she's frustrated as hell trying to have an intelligent conversation around here. But that's just the impression I got.

I quoted her original post and commented on that. I'm still not sure where the disconnect is. If you don't mean something and don't want to have a discussion about it, don't post it. I guess that's my definition of an intelligent conversation: you say something, I comment on your quote, etc.

shaika, I'm snarky, too.

shaikha- i KNOW exactly what you are saying and it is annoying-- but again- we're all lay people hoping for some lovin & support-- so we post to please & hopefully help & give each other a little hope & pat on the back! YOUR HUMOR IN IT IS DEFINITELY APPRECIATED! I for one am SICK of some of the ANSWERS-- not the questions! There are NO stupid questions-- only stupid answers! LOL

you're making the observation that 9 out of 10 CC posters respond that starvation mode or "conservation mode" is the problem as to why they are not losing weight-- and I agree-- it's horrifically annoying!

what else is horrifically annoying are the following additional responses to ANY post/question on here-- and I admit-- i am guilty of posting these as well!

• BMR - Is this what i burn by being in a comatose state???
• deficit - what i burn vs what i eat or what i eat vs what i burn? SAME!
• weight training - the *only* exercise that needs apply to anyone?!?!
• pilates/yoga suck - who cares that you actually tried exercising???
• sodium overload - how did i gain 5 lbs gained overnight?!
• skinny fat - what will happen i don't weight train?
• eating back - what do i do if i burned 200 calories exercising?
• ED - what i have if i don't eat my BMR at the least?

finally--

• squats - the ultimate answer to any 'tone-up' or exercise question asked...

all in GOOD HUMOR PEOPLE!!!

CC seriously needs to lighten up! i feel like I'm getting on the SS-CC nazi site lately-- some people just want to eat healthy, walk a mile, and change to a more healthful life! let's not lose site of that!!! this is a journey- not a destination!!!

I'm on the fence with this. On one hand, I think that people jump to "starvation mode!" way too quickly, and assume that it happens after a day of not quite eating enough, which just can't be true - it has to take longer than that! Also, BMR - it's a great place to start (assuming your weight is within a range where the formula is semi-accurate), and it's a good guideline if you have no idea what is going to work for your body, but 50 calories under BMR is not going to launch you into starvation mode.

On the other hand, I read so many posts from people who want "permission" to eat as little as possible, make excuses for why they can eat so little, actually get angry when someone suggests that they could eat more and still lose weight, and get into the mind set that they will gain weight if they eat their maintenance - if you are doing this right (and not slowing down your metabolism), one day of maintenance is not going to make you gain weight(except maybe a little water weight from extra sodium). Nor is 100 days of maintenance - it'll just delay your goal.

iamme - I see your point about people's standard responses these days on the fitness forum - lots of anti-yoga/pilates, and pro-squats/deadlifts.  But here's my question - why does it seem that people (and maybe it's not the same people, but...) want to know the minimum they can to eat in a day, but are uninterested in hearing about exercises that will maximize their fat loss.  And if someone posts asking if pilates will help them lose weight, I think a fair answer is that there are more effective ways to burn fat.

The only answer I've come up with is that people want fast results without having to work for them. I didn't think that's what this site was about, so although some people can be quick to respond with "starvation! bmr! free weights! 8 cups of water!" I'd rather that, than "here's a magic bullet - see you again soon..."

 

Iamme1270 sorry I couldn't help myself I had to take a look at your pictures and I must say you look FABULOUS, good job, wow! I don't know how old you are but if I was to take a guess, I would say 17.

LOL- Thanks Shaikha-- i'm 37-- and weigh EXACTLY the same almost as the day I started on here-- but again-- I have to be proud of how i've come otherwise- my Oct 1 pic to my Feb pic is HUGELY different! Seriously! My husband- bless him who puts up with my body depression- said something like I went from Play Doh to lincoln logs with some necessary insulation!

I lost 8-9% body fat, gained strength (squat my full weight and then some!), endurance (5k in 17-19mins), and a TON of muscle!  I HATE to see the scale the same and I hate to admit I was in the old "conservation mode" for awhile-- I HATE the scale-- I want to throw it away!!!

we all have trouble spots! I hate my legs/butt! I want to give up and never do! I get up everyday and start over so to speak to make new gains!!!!

I applaud each and every person who does the same- whether you eat correctly and have a good day- don't eat well binge/restrict- whatever- every day is a new day to start over- and even if you do the pilates / yoga thing-- keep it up-- it all has an impact on you & i am sure that everyone on here just wants that lovin and support on this often horrific times and sometimes heroic epic journey of becoming 'healthful' whether you are gaining, losing, or tranforming the human body-  

cheers to all-- we all have to remember - lovin & support!

Original Post by amethystgirl:

iamme - I see your point about people's standard responses these days on the fitness forum - lots of anti-yoga/pilates, and pro-squats/deadlifts.  But here's my question - why does it seem that people (and maybe it's not the same people, but...) want to know the minimum they can to eat in a day, but are uninterested in hearing about exercises that will maximize their fat loss.  And if someone posts asking if pilates will help them lose weight, I think a fair answer is that there are more effective ways to burn fat.

The only answer I've come up with is that people want fast results without having to work for them. I didn't think that's what this site was about, so although some people can be quick to respond with "starvation! bmr! free weights! 8 cups of water!" I'd rather that, than "here's a magic bullet - see you again soon..."

 oh & amethyst- I agree- when someone is asking for 'more effective' fat burning opps-- yes, there's more to add in to a true fat burning routine than just yoga or pilates-- but-- on the flip side-- some people are just never gonna work out from a low level or to a hardcore intensity like a lot of us on here- but I applaud ANYONE from 14-64 years old on here who has NEVER exercised or just isn't that physically fit or wants to do & benefits from yoga/pilates or even walking-- hell, some people can't do more than sit and lift canned goods for a workout-- the point I feel is that APPLAUD these people for doing something other than nothing! You have to start somewhere! I know Gym Rats who workout lifting 2 hours a day yet fight to have the closest parking spot to the gym-- wth? a little walking won't kill you! It's the best exercise in the world! My point is exercise/fitness is a mind/body/spirit thing-- and some people won't ever pick up a weight to lift anymore than they'll run a marathon-- some people use pilates/yoga/whatever to increase their mind/body/spirit fitness- and that in and of its self is a beautiful thing! We shouldn't shove our beliefs down anyone's throats-- and some posters do offer 'helpful' and 'pleasant' answers to how to shape up one's physique other than what they judge to be not helpful yoga/pilates-- but it works for some people-- otherwise it wouldn't be around for as long as it has (yoga at least & I seriously don't know pilates- but i hear it can do wonders for flexibility and endurance for athletes-- heck, if it at least reduced my stress and help to tighten up some of my body's areas-- I'll try ANY exercise once!)

I just feel that the fitness forum can be as intimidating at the 'starvation mode' answer all-- i think that people who at least put the effort in to change their lifestyle from sedentary to 'something' anything that gets them moving and makes them feel good needs to be praised on here-

I just feel the fitness forum has become overrun by many of 'us weight-trainers' - i am one of them- but I know all too well what it's like to start at 'ground zero' - and we all know how much mis-information is swirling out on the internet & on tv commercials-- people want quick fixes-- it's our nature-- and we're all CC members bc quick fixes are only temporary or worse-- Failures! some people might fly by night on CC- but they come back after the fads fail and they figure they should give healthful eating/exercising a try finally-- I'm sure if we asked-- EVERYONE on CC could say they gave up fads and tried reality of eating healthful instead thru CC bc all else failed!

all of us on are CC bc we see the value in actually eating- following something resembling a healthful diet and whether your contemplating, motivating yourself, just starting to exercise, are a seasoned athlete or coach or body builder or fitness expert or model or whatever-- you deserve applause, respect, and support from here- not condemnation or snide remarks!

it's just gotten SOOOO out of control on here! newbies ask basic questions and experienced users bash back with responses-- remember what it was like when we all realized we'd failed in whatever our previous weight-loss/healthful weight strategies were? We came here in hopes of learning, growing, gaining, & losing!  Let's keep in that way for everyone!!! Again EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY TO START AGAIN - A NEW GOAL/GAIN (or LOSS! lol)! Let's open up fitness and diet and motivation forums with a little more kindness and understanding! We can't know it all from the day we sign up!!! Otherwise, we wouldn't be here!

i just hope I don't sound snide now amethyst! I just mean again "lovin and support"!

going to eat my protein bars i baked now... i think all that typing put me in starvation mode! LOL!!!!

:)

I'm with Shaikha on this one too!

Personally I love detoxing, I do a detox once every spring, and it makes me feel really good!  I typically loose 3-4 lbs in 3-4 days.  But it's not about the weight loss.  I drink only fruit and vegetable juices for 3-4 days, make sure I get a lot of rest, very light exercise, lots of fiber and green drinks (the special powders you get from the health food store).  Surprisingly what I loose is maybe a little fat, but mostly mucus and water retention (not salt on a detox).  Yes, it's gross, your breath smells like ass, you're grumpy and all you want to do is sleep.  When I'm done I feel an amazing mental focus, my body absorbs nutrients better, I have less bowel problems, and I feel amazingly energized.  Am I in starvation mode?  I guess so, but why does that matter?  I believe that being in a state like this is good for your body for a short period of time.  Our environments are filled with toxins, your kidneys and liver are working overtime and they need a break too sometimes!




I actually don't by the starvation mode thing at all (unless in extreme circumstances). I think that if you're not loosing weight and restricting your calories there are so many things that could be happening. “Starvation mode” is kind of a label we tend to put on the problem of caloric restriction without measurable weight loss here at cc. Starvation mode happens, but there is a myriad of possibilities as to why the weight won't come off, not just sm! Stress, hormones, to much salt, to little water, unbalanced diet with too little protein, water retention in the muscles when your body is not used to exercise, the list goes on!




It's almost like were tooo afraid of taking in to few calories here at cc. It won't kill you and your metabolism will not be ruined for life. We have been living on this planet for 10,000 years. We have been though many famines, I think we can go though eating less the 1200 cal for a month or so without ruining our bodies.... I'm not talking about anorexia here, I just don't think it's the end of the world. Everyone is different, you can't go by what some nameless people on a web-site tell you... Educate yourself and get to know your body.

First let me say that I am eating 1200 calories a day.  I am NOT starving myself.  My starting weight was 295.   I am 5'2 and 27 years old.  My dr was ready to schedule gastric bypass because my last asthma attack nearly killed me....and my body is falling apart with all of this weight. 

Here is my problem with starvation mode.   Gastric bypass patients dont get anywhere near 1200 calories for about the first year......that is what they work up to.  They actually lose most of their weight within that first year.  I have never seen a gastric bypass patient who went into starvation mode and gained weight or stopped losing for any length of time....until they were up to the 1200 calories and at or near ideal weight. 

So how is it that they can calorie cut to the extreme and it is tottally cool....but if I do it I am being unhealthy and putting myself into starvation mode?  Just curious. 

I think everyone is different.  I actually happen to think that 1200 might even be higher than where I should be.  I think 800-1000 would be just fine and dandy.  Then again I wouldnt say that if I only had 30-50 pounds to lose.  I need to lose at least 160 pounds to be within healthy range for my height.  That is more than 50% of my body weight.  There are several hospitals and treatment centers that would be more than happy to help me starve myself on 500 calories a day.....and they have qualified doctors. 

I am sure that for some people starvation mode is a real issue.....but I agree that it does not apply to every person every time.

I love the word snarky....I thought I was the only one who used it. 

That's very interesting I never thought about that, you are right about Gastric bypass patients not getting more than 1200 calories. You raise a good point.  

Original Post by iamme1270:

finally--

• squats - the ultimate answer to any 'tone-up' or exercise question asked...

Squats use almost 50% of your muscles so yeah, it's a good answer for all lower body questions.

Also if we're ranting, let's talk about the misuse of the word tone.

Wow pretty interesting debate! I can't honestly say I've given the topic any real thought, until today. I don't think the OP was trying to spark it, just stating that perhapse it's over used as a reason for trouble losing weight at times. I have trouble losing weight and it has nothing to do with an ED or starvation mode...I'm just plain lazy and don't get enough constistant exercise.  sometimes I eat way to few calories sometimes way to many, my life is busy and gets away with me and sometimes I fail to pay attention.

Everybody is different and what works for one may back fire on another. I just don't see one cut and dry answer.  I do however appreciate getting several opinions when I have a question, some advice I take some I don't, so I hope that even though the opinions on this subject differ so greatly, everyone keeps putting their 2 cents in.....but maybe with out the nastiness that some show. Everyone here is here for a certain goal weather you agree with them or not, the debate should remain friendly.

Just my 2 cents

The problem with the whole "starvation mode" is how it is often defined. 

One body builder, who's ideas are prevelent on this board, insinuates the body goes into starvation mode after 3 hours and 20 minutes.  That is totally false, 3 hours after eating, the body shifts from the insulin driven storage mode to the leptin driven fat burning mode. 

The real confusion is the claims of the body deciding to store "fat" and burn lean tissue.  This is very dependent on how much fat is available.  If you have sufficient fat, the body will metabolize fat, if you don't, it will metabolize other tissue. 

Sometimes "starvation mode" is confused with starvation diets.  Technically a starvation diet is eating less than 50% of the body requirements.   But if you read these forums, you would swear a starvation diet is eating less than your calculated BMR.

 

It is true that Starvation Mode is used as an answer more than it should be.  I think facts around starvation mode would be useful.  How long does it take to enter SM.  How long does it last when you start eating right?  Does your body burn fat or muscle or both during SM.  All of these items if they are facts would be interesting.

On a seperate note you can always give advise without demeaning or attacking a person if you use the correct language.  I just try to remember that everyone does not talk in the same way as I do so I must be careful on how I say certain things.  This way I dont demean or attack a person who does not deserver it.  No one takes advice when they feel like they are being attacked.  So it is counter productive and a waste of time to even type a response that will put the person on defence.

Hey guys, can we talk about every post being answered with "OH you're gaining muscle mass!" next?

I started weights about an hour ago and gained a pound what gives. OH! It's probably muscle mass

I eat 900 calories a day and do an hour of cardio but I'm not losing weight. OH! You're probably gaining muscle mass from exercising!

I walked by the leg press machine and gained 5lbs last week is it muscle mass? YES!

When I first joined CC about 4 weeks ago, I read a few posts and heard lots and lots, for the first time, about s.m.  I became terrified of missing a meal!  Everytime I had hunger pains I rushed to go home to eat, and if for some reason I couldn't eat right away, I became convinced that I was in s.m.  If I hadn't met my calorie goal for the day, I would try to down some snacks right before bed to meet my goal, even if I wasn't hungry, so that I wouldn't go into s.m.!

Then, I did some more research and realized that missing a meal here or there or just getting hungry and not eating right away will not put me in s.m. 

So yes, I think there is an exorbitant number of posts that warn about the evils of starvation mode.  That's not to say these evils don't exist, just that it seems a little exaggerated.  Or maybe not exaggerated but it sure comes up A LOT and a gullible, uninformed newbie like myself could easily misunderstand it all.  

Original Post by spirochete:

Hey guys, can we talk about every post being answered with "OH you're gaining muscle mass!" next?

I started weights about an hour ago and gained a pound what gives. OH! It's probably muscle mass

I eat 900 calories a day and do an hour of cardio but I'm not losing weight. OH! You're probably gaining muscle mass from exercising!

I walked by the leg press machine and gained 5lbs last week is it muscle mass? YES!

 OMG, YES! I swear nearly everytime someone isn't losing and started exercising within the last 5 minutes, someone else yells "MUSCLE MASS"... if they don't yell "STARVATION MODE!"   lol

Gosh, I just picked up a pencil. I think I gained muscle mass but I haven't eaten anything so I'm probably in starvation mode.  AAAACCCCKKK!!  or maybe it's water weight....?

Original Post by strikez:

The problem with the whole "starvation mode" is how it is often defined. 

One body builder, who's ideas are prevelent on this board, insinuates the body goes into starvation mode after 3 hours and 20 minutes.  That is totally false, 3 hours after eating, the body shifts from the insulin driven storage mode to the leptin driven fat burning mode. 

The real confusion is the claims of the body deciding to store "fat" and burn lean tissue.  This is very dependent on how much fat is available.  If you have sufficient fat, the body will metabolize fat, if you don't, it will metabolize other tissue. 

Sometimes "starvation mode" is confused with starvation diets.  Technically a starvation diet is eating less than 50% of the body requirements.   But if you read these forums, you would swear a starvation diet is eating less than your calculated BMR.

 

 Well said, yet again.  Sometimes it's nice not having to post, because someone did it for me.