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NHFLLC · 05-14-2009, 11:22 PM

I'm reading the FLTS and wanted to know if there is any way to determine where the starvation response kicks in. Is there a set number of calories for men/women of a certain weight or body composition? A set number lean mass poundage?

Lets set up two examples:
1) A 140 lb women with 30% BF, 25 and 5'1", exercising 5 times a week.

2) A 240 lb women with 40% BF, 25 and 5'6", exercising 5 times a week.

My typical strategy would be to calculate BMR's and activity levels, then drop 500 calories for the goal of fat loss. But, I am realizing that for the heavier population it is sometimes necessary to push that higher, say 1000 calories, as they have a much higher store of reserve energy to pull from in a deficit.

My question is for the "lighter" population. Say example one, her BMR with activity level (1.55) will be around 2230/day (using Harris-Benedict). If you drop 1000 for an aggressive weight loss plan that leaves 1230/day. So, at what point does the drop become too aggressive, invoking the starvation response and begin to sacrifice muscle tissue??? Any difference between men/women, body weight, ect.?

Any help is appreciated.

05-14-2009, 11:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
NHFLLC Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 16	Starvation Response? (Maybe for Leigh) I'm reading the FLTS and wanted to know if there is any way to determine where the starvation response kicks in. Is there a set number of calories for men/women of a certain weight or body composition? A set number lean mass poundage? Lets set up two examples: 1) A 140 lb women with 30% BF, 25 and 5'1", exercising 5 times a week. 2) A 240 lb women with 40% BF, 25 and 5'6", exercising 5 times a week. My typical strategy would be to calculate BMR's and activity levels, then drop 500 calories for the goal of fat loss. But, I am realizing that for the heavier population it is sometimes necessary to push that higher, say 1000 calories, as they have a much higher store of reserve energy to pull from in a deficit. My question is for the "lighter" population. Say example one, her BMR with activity level (1.55) will be around 2230/day (using Harris-Benedict). If you drop 1000 for an aggressive weight loss plan that leaves 1230/day. So, at what point does the drop become too aggressive, invoking the starvation response and begin to sacrifice muscle tissue??? Any difference between men/women, body weight, ect.? Any help is appreciated.