(Keys, Brozek, Henschel, Mickelson, & Taylor, 1950)

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment studied the effects of dietary restriction and the effectiveness of dietary rehabilitation. The study used 36 wartime objectors​ who lived in a football stadium and were carefully monitored physically, psychologically, and behaviourally.​ They were all single men, all in good health and had the ability to get on with others​.

Healthy control group:

• Monitored over 3 months.
• Ate 3200 calories a day.
• Had monitored exercise, educational activities, and lab work.

Experimental group:

• Monitored over 6 months.
• Ate two meals a day totalling 1570 calories.
• On average, the men lost 25% of their body weight.
• This impacted the physiological, psychological, cognitive, and social functioning of the men.

Behavioural changes

Preoccupation with food: obsessed with cooking or feeding others, watching food related programmes and being very aware of what others eat. They avoided some foods, eating in public, and developed eating rituals.

Shape and weight concerns were also seen in the men: checking their body, using a mirror, taking pictures, making comparisons, and excessively exercising.

Interaction with others: secretive, withdrawn, verbally or physically aggressive, lack of concentration, loss of concern for others, inflexible with rules.

Physical health symptoms

-Weight loss

-Muscle wastage (including the heart)

-Poor circulation and feeling cold

-Decreased pulse and blood pressure

-Fainting and dizziness

-Abnormal blood tests and hormonal changes

-Constipated, bloated, and feeling full

-Loss of strength and decrease in energy

-Insomnia

-Hair loss and brittle nails

-Increased hair growth on arms and body

Emotional changes

The men were observed to be more angry, irritable, tearful, and anxious – especially around mealtimes. They researchers also observed irrational thinking, low mood, feelings of confusion, conflict, and guilt. There was an increase in embarrassment, as well as being more sensitive to what others said or did.

Relationship difficulties

Researchers also observed changes in relationships and the men became more withdrawn and disengaged from family and friends. They were more stubborn, hurtful towards others, isolated and distressed. There was also a lack of conversation and a loss of sense of humour.

From this study, we can conclude that symptoms of Starvation Syndrome are observed in any individual who has prolonged restricted access to food, no matter what the reason. Many eating disorder symptoms are a direct result of semi-starvation and may be observed if a person’s nutritional intake is poor, irregular, unbalanced, or if they engage in compensatory behaviours. Physical re-nourishment is essential to reverse these symptoms.

By providing adequate energy and nutrition regularly throughout the day, the body will return to its baseline of physical and psychological functioning.