HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

Is it true that if you starve yourself, you gain weight? my friend was anorexic and now she eats normal and is still skinny. i'm just curious

A doctor has provided 1 answer

No.: Progressive starvation leads to progressive weight loss and death. If you lack total calories and protein you become very thin (marasmus). If you lack protein but maintain a fairly good caloric intake you may maintain fat weight but have muscle wasting, a very swollen belly and legs ( kwashiorkor).

Answered 6/12/2013

5.1k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I'm 24yrs old 5'10 I weight 133 mg arms wrist chest and shoulders are small and skinny anorexic like ?? eat very good can't gain 10lbs of I wanted

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Why do very skinny, starving children and adults in african countries have enlarged abdomens?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Gnawing and starving feeling every 3 hours,what could it be ?Endoscopy was fine , thyroid and glicemy are still " normal " I can't avoid to eat .thx

7 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Got graves' disease, i'm gaining weight like mad, i tried going on a diet and even starving myself for days, and im still gaining weight, i need help!

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Constantly starving lately and get pounding heart if i ignore it. Raised pancreas and liver enzymes. Goitre but normal tsh. Blood sugar been tested and never remarked on. Not gaining weight. Theories?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

How come anorexics lose weight by starving but i gain weight?
I think i'm anorexic. I'm not purposefully starving myself but i can't eat very much without feeling sick. Should i see a doctor? What would they do?
I am concerned that I have anorexia. I have lost a lot of weight and see myself as fat. I am now terrified of food and gaining weight. I starve myself?
My son is 13 years old and is a 9th grader. He weighs about 95 pounds and feels his height is is 5 ft. 4 in. He feels he is underweight and a little too skinny. He is not anorexic. He eats healthy meals 3 times a day but does not seem to gain weight. My
What are the side effects of anorexia or starving yourself?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.