Which symptom is commonly associated with fasting or starvation states?

Which symptom is commonly associated with fasting or starvation states?

• A. Weight Gain
• B. Fatigue
• C. Hyperactivity
• D. Increased Appetite

Answer: (B)

Fatigue arises when energy intake is insufficient to meet the body's needs during fasting. When no food is eaten, blood glucose falls and glycogen stores are used up first, then fat stores are mobilized and ketones become an energy source. Despite these adaptations, available energy remains limited, so physical and mental energy drop, leading to fatigue and weakness. Weight loss would be expected as energy reserves are depleted, not weight gain. Hyperactivity is not typical in fasting because the body tends to conserve energy rather than increase activity, and increased appetite can occur later or after refeeding rather than as an immediate symptom.

Fatigue arises when energy intake is insufficient to meet the body's needs during fasting. When no food is eaten, blood glucose falls and glycogen stores are used up first, then fat stores are mobilized and ketones become an energy source. Despite these adaptations, available energy remains limited, so physical and mental energy drop, leading to fatigue and weakness. Weight loss would be expected as energy reserves are depleted, not weight gain. Hyperactivity is not typical in fasting because the body tends to conserve energy rather than increase activity, and increased appetite can occur later or after refeeding rather than as an immediate symptom.