ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Starvation mode

Hey there, kiddo! Have you ever heard of "starvation mode"? It's when your body thinks it's starving, even if you're still eating some food. Let me explain it in a way that you can understand!

When we eat food, our bodies use those nutrients to make energy. This energy helps us do things like run, play, and even sleep. But sometimes, people don't eat enough food or skip meals, which means their bodies don't get enough energy.

When this happens, our bodies think we're in trouble and try to protect us by slowing down. This is where "starvation mode" comes in! Your body doesn't know when you'll eat again, so it tries to save as much energy as possible.

It does this by slowing down things like your metabolism, which is like the engine that powers your body. This is because when your metabolism slows down, you burn fewer calories even when you're doing things like moving around or exercising.

So, even if you're still eating some food during this time, your body holds onto those calories as much as it can. This is why it can be harder to lose weight when you're not eating enough food. Your body doesn't want to use up those precious calories because it's trying to protect you.

But don't worry if you're not eating like you should, there are ways to get your body back on track! It's important to eat enough food to give your body the energy it needs. When you start eating regularly again, your body will learn that it doesn't have to hold onto everything. So, stay safe and remember to eat enough to keep yourself healthy and strong!
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