Recently we discussed the myth that dieting can lead to an eating disorders and saw this common dieting myth was in accurate.  Another common dieting myth held by people is that they may not be losing weight because they are in the "starvation mode" from eating to few calories.  And, in response to the intake of this low calorie level, their body has gone into "starvation mode" and slowed down their metabolism and is holding on to the weight.   The usual recommendation to get out of starvation mode and allow the body to lose more weight, is to consume more calories.  Eat more calories, to lose more weight.   

Really?

Well, for anyone struggling to lose weight, this may sound sensible, but as you will see, it, like most other dieting myths, it is inaccurate. A few things to consider before we get to the "starvation mode."

First, the human body, as is our world, is governed by the laws of physics. Body weight is a product of energy balance. We can not violate the laws of physics and thermodynamics. The energy we consume must go somewhere and to maintain a certain level of weight, and equivalent amount of energy must be consumed and an equilibrium must be achieved.

Second, in regard to metabolism, about >70% of our base metabolism is driven by our brain and other vital organs and is not really effected by food consumption as I discussed in the metabolism blog.   We have little impact on this basal metabolic rate.