Can You Lose Weight by Starving Yourself?

We’ve all been there; we’ve all seen those pesky extra pounds creeping up on us despite our best efforts. And let’s face facts: The majority of us could use a little help in losing those extra pounds – a weight-loss buddy or a weight-loss app might be just what we need.

There are several tricks and tips to help you lose weight, and one of the most effective ways to shed those extra pounds is by severely restricting your calorie intake. While most people think that this is unrealistic and doomed to failure, the truth is that it’s quite the opposite – you can lose weight very easily by starving yourself. And if you’re really determined to lose those extra pounds, then it’s time to explore every avenue available to you.

What Is Starvation Therapy?

Starvation therapy is a type of weight loss therapy that involves reducing the number of calories you consume without causing you to lose essential nutrients. When you reduce your calorie intake to low levels, your body will start going into survival mode and will do what it can to protect you from the harmful effects of malnutrition. And to be clear, this is a harmful effect; malnutrition and starvation can cause you a long list of problems, ranging from weakness and brain damage to increased risk of heart disease and cancer. So reducing your calorie intake is never wise.

For instance, if you were on a diet that provided you with plenty of fruits, veggies, and lean meats, but no refined sugars or processed foods, then this is what your body will start craving when you reduce your calorie intake to the point of starvation. And believe it or not, this is exactly what most people consider a healthy diet. But if you’re really determined to drop a few pounds, then it would be best to reconsider your diet and perhaps try a healthier approach.

How Does Starvation Therapy Work?

The theory behind starvation therapy is pretty simple: When you severely restrict your calorie intake, your body will start feeling the effects of hunger pangs more intensely. These pangs can often be quite distracting and even disruptive at times, making it that little bit harder to stay focused on the task at hand. In addition to this, when you’re constantly feeling hungry, your eating habits will likely become distorted – you might feel that you need to eat more often than usual, or that large portions are the key to maintaining a healthy weight. These factors alone can make starvation therapy a viable and highly effective way to lose weight.

Is It Easy to Follow?

While it might be tempting to think that starving yourself is a rather simple way to lose weight, things are rarely that straightforward. Following a strict diet that will leave you malnourished is not something that should be taken lightly, and it’s certainly not something that will be easy to do. For one, you’ll need to be determined enough to follow a plan that could see you through to the very end, and you’ll need to be very careful not to go hungry – any kind of malnutrition poses a serious health risk, especially long-term. If you want to make sure that you’re losing weight in a healthy manner, then it’s best to consult with a physician and get a professional recommendation before embarking on any kind of extreme diet.

Who Should Avoid Starvation Therapy?

As we’ve established, malnutrition and starvation are not healthy practices, and for some individuals, they can even be life-threatening. If you’re among the latter party, then you should definitely avoid starvation therapy. You might not feel pain the same way as others, and while you might be able to shed a few pounds in this way, the risks associated with it are too great. If your goal is to achieve a healthy weight, then the safest approach is to follow a calorie-restricted diet – the fewer calories you eat, the fewer pounds you’ll likely be able to lose (and maybe even a few extra pounds as well).

On the other hand, if you’re among the former party and you’re certain that starvation is the only way you can shed those extra pounds, then go for it – just be sure to consult with a physician before starting any extreme diet plans.

When Do You Start Seeing Results?

The results of your starvation therapy will likely start to show within the first few weeks, and it’s worth noting that they might not appear as quickly as you’d hope – sometimes it can take months to start bearing fruit, and in some cases, it might not happen at all. This is why it’s important to be patient and stick with the plan.

Is There Anything Else You Should Know?

If you want to follow a weight-loss journey that’s as healthy as possible, then it’s essential to be conscious of what you’re putting into your body – the products you consume will affect you both mentally and physically, and while it might be tempting to indulge your favorite food outlets during this time, it would be unwise to do so. Instead, you should seek out healthier options where ever you go, and remember to fuel your body with nutritious food.

Now that you’re armed with the basics of what exactly is starvation therapy, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to go about losing weight. You’ll need to find the plan that works best for you, and it might not be as easy as you think. But if you want to shed those extra pounds and live a healthier lifestyle, then you’ve come to the right place – we’ve got you covered on this front. Continue reading to discover effective tips for losing weight.