Which adaptation is associated with starvation?

Which adaptation is associated with starvation?

• A. Increased glycogenesis
• B. Increased lipid oxidation
• C. Decreased gluconeogenesis
• D. Increased glucose oxidation

Answer: (B)

During starvation the body shifts energy source from carbohydrates to fats as insulin levels fall and hormones signal for mobilization of energy stores. Lipolysis in adipose tissue increases, releasing fatty acids that travel to the liver and other tissues to be oxidized for ATP. This lipid oxidation becomes the primary fuel source, helping to spare glucose for tissues that depend on it and supporting energy production when carbohydrate is scarce. Ketone bodies are also produced from fatty acids and can serve as an alternative brain fuel during longer fasts. Because of this shift, glycogen stores are depleted and glycogen synthesis isn’t favored, while gluconeogenesis tends to remain active or increase to maintain blood glucose. Glucose oxidation decreases as fatty acids take precedence for energy. So, increased lipid oxidation is the adaptation associated with starvation.

During starvation the body shifts energy source from carbohydrates to fats as insulin levels fall and hormones signal for mobilization of energy stores. Lipolysis in adipose tissue increases, releasing fatty acids that travel to the liver and other tissues to be oxidized for ATP. This lipid oxidation becomes the primary fuel source, helping to spare glucose for tissues that depend on it and supporting energy production when carbohydrate is scarce. Ketone bodies are also produced from fatty acids and can serve as an alternative brain fuel during longer fasts. Because of this shift, glycogen stores are depleted and glycogen synthesis isn’t favored, while gluconeogenesis tends to remain active or increase to maintain blood glucose. Glucose oxidation decreases as fatty acids take precedence for energy. So, increased lipid oxidation is the adaptation associated with starvation.