Metabolism is the process of converting the calories from food into energy.
Lack of food causes your body to conserve energy by reducing its metabolic rate.
Ketone bodies serve as a backup energy source when glucose is not available.
Verywell / Ellen Linder
Experts believe humans can generally survive for up to two monthswithout eating food.
Complications of Not Eating
One of the longer-term complications of not eating enough is malnutrition.
Anything less may deprive you of the nutrients you should probably function normally.
Other Complications by Group
Different groups of people are affected differently by not eating enough food.
This can cause them to show symptoms of not eating more quickly than adults.
Teenagers
Teens may have delayed growth or appear short in stature.
People With Chronic Conditions
People with certain chronic conditions may have a greater demand for nutrition.
These include conditions like:
What Are the Three Stages of Starvation?
In stage two, muscle tissue breaks down for energy, leading to weakness and wasting.
Children who are malnourished are at risk of brittle bones, learning difficulties, and depression.
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