Famine response
When we reduce our food intake, our bodies respond as if they are in a famine or starvation situation. As a survival instinct the body can adjust its metabolism or the amount of energy it uses to keep the body functioning. Although it is very difficult to increase the body’s metabolism (increase the rate we burn energy), the body’s attempt to protect itself against famine by reducing the metabolic rate can happen within 48 hours of restricting either the type and/or the amount of food, and can decrease by as much as 40 per cent.

Abstinence leads to bingeing
When we restrict our food intake we experience physical and emotional deprivation. Physically and emotionally, we are compelled to eat which can lead to overeating or bingeing. This can lead to a feeling of guilt and failure.

Leptin
Leptin is a hormone produced by the fat cells in our bodies. It exists in the body in proportionate amounts to our weight. When our body fat decreases, so do our leptin levels. Our bodies want to compensate for this loss in leptin and respond by increasing our hunger urges and decreasing our metabolism.