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The first two phases of starvation are defined in terms of ketosis. It is by definition the start of starvation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starvation

Phase one: ... After that, the body begins to break down fat and protein. Fatty acids are used by the body as an energy source for muscles, but lower the amount of glucose that gets to the brain. Another chemical that comes from fatty acids is glycerol. It can be used like glucose for energy, but eventually runs out.

Phase two: Phase two can last for up to weeks at a time. In this phase, the body mainly uses stored fat for energy. The breakdown occurs in the liver and turns fat into ketones. After fasting has gone on for one week, the brain will use these ketones and any leftover glucose. Using ketones lowers the need for glucose, and the body slows the breakdown of proteins.



Ketosis being present when starvation occurs does not mean that starvation occurs every time ketosis is present. A in B doesn't mean B in A.


It seems we're arguing semantics here. My point is that it is biologically indistinguishable from starvation at this point again by definition. Without an interview a doctor could not tell the difference.

Your point seems be an objection to the use of the word starvation because it doesn't progress to the later stages due to maintenance of available fatty acids. And that it can be useful and therefore the word starvation is inappropriate. Does this sum it up?


No, we're not arguing semantics. The definition of starvation, according to wikipedia, is: "Starvation is a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake, below the level needed to maintain an organism's life.". However ketosis can occur at a normal caloric energy intake. Also from the article: "The symptoms of starvation show up in three stages. Phase one and two can show up in anyone that skips meals, diets, and goes through fasting.". But you can get into ketosis without fasting or skipping meals. I'm not sure what "diets" means here. If it means "following a non standard diet", that would cover low carb diet. However if it means "reducing your caloric intake for health/aesthetic reasons", it wouldn't cover it.




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