What does starvation do to our body???

Most of us have experienced the pangs of hunger—it begins with a slight dizziness, a grumbling stomach, and a noticeable drop in energy levels. Yet, these discomforts are fleeting, disappearing as soon as we eat. But what happens when food is unavailable for days, weeks, or even longer? Starvation doesn’t just cause discomfort; it sets off a cascade of physiological and psychological changes that can profoundly affect the body.

Starvation occurs when the body consumes fewer calories than it needs to sustain vital processes like breathing, circulation, and digestion. This condition is often linked to famine, extreme dieting, prolonged fasting, or medical issues that hinder nutrient absorption. Alarmingly, around one in nine people globally lack sufficient food to meet their basic energy needs. Despite this prevalence, starvation remains poorly understood due to the ethical challenges of studying it directly. Factors such as an individual’s initial health, genetic predisposition, and hydration status further complicate our understanding of its effects.

What we do know largely stems from historical research, like the Minnesota Starvation Experiment conducted in the 1940s during World War II. At the time, scientists sought to unravel the mysteries of starvation, driven by a need to help famine victims recover. In this controversial study, 36 healthy male volunteers—conscientious objectors to the war—agreed to undergo semi-starvation in lieu of military service. For 24 weeks, their daily caloric intake was cut in half, dropping from 3,000 to around 1,500 calories, while they were required to walk an average of 22 miles (35 kilometers) each week. The experiment offered invaluable insights into how the human body copes with prolonged hunger.

Physically, the effects of starvation were stark. The men’s bodies became frail and emaciated, with their ribs protruding, cheeks hollowing, and limbs swelling due to reduced blood protein production. Their metabolism slowed dramatically as their bodies worked to conserve every ounce of energy. Heart rates plummeted, body temperatures dropped, and their breathing quieted. Even their libido and reproductive functions came to a near halt, reflecting the body’s prioritization of survival over reproduction.

Psychologically, the participants were consumed by thoughts of food. They talked, wrote, and even dreamed about meals, and many reported obsessive behaviors surrounding food preparation and consumption. Depression, irritability, and a loss of interest in normal activities became common, as their bodies and minds were drained of energy. Interestingly, while the men often felt cognitively impaired, objective tests didn’t confirm significant mental decline. However, modern studies on nutrient deficiencies suggest that starvation can impair brain function, particularly when it comes to memory and decision-making.

For children, the effects of starvation are even more devastating. Without sufficient nutrients, their growth and development can be permanently stunted. Children’s smaller energy reserves make them more vulnerable to starvation, with fatal outcomes often occurring after just 32 days of complete food deprivation compared to around 70 days for adults. In both cases, autopsies reveal that by the time of death, the body has consumed all available fat stores and 25-50% of its organs and tissues, often causing irreversible damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Starvation is not just a distant historical issue; it continues to plague millions today. With 795 million people worldwide suffering from chronic undernourishment, the problem remains urgent. Recent reports from North Korea, for example, warn citizens to brace for famine, highlighting how modern geopolitics and economic struggles perpetuate hunger crises.

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment, while controversial, remains one of the most detailed studies of starvation’s impact on the body. It underscores the importance of understanding the complex ways the human body adapts—and ultimately succumbs—when deprived of food. While progress in studying starvation is hindered by ethical concerns, ongoing research through case studies and autopsies is essential to addressing the global challenge of hunger and aiding recovery for those who endure its devastating effects.