Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

calories, protein, fat,vitaminsorminerals. Usually,

when individuals dietary intake is inadequate there is

likely to be an overall deficiency of many nutrients.

Below is a list of some of the general effects of

starvation.

tiredness

lethargy

poor concentration

weakness

hair loss and sometimes the growth of additional hair

on the arms and back. (The growth of additional hair

called lanugo hair and is frequently evident on people

who suffer with anorexia nervosa.)

decreased muscle mass and tone

weight loss

menstruation may stop if weight loss is serious

delayed puberty in adolescents

iron-deficiency anemia

poor immunity

decrease in bone mineral density and an increased

risk of osteoporosis if weight loss is not reversed

constipation

deficiencies of various vitamins and minerals

delayed gastric emptying

Cognitive changes associated with starvation

As the body starts to lose weight as a as a result of

insufficient energy intake, the ability of the brain to

function correctly is impaired. The symptoms associ-

ated with changes in the way the brain functions are

referred to as cognitive changes.

The cognitive changes associated with starvation

include

increased risk of depression-related symptoms

poor decision making skills

irritable

anxiety

very reactive

poor concentration

Social and sexual changes associated with

starvation

withdrawal from social activities

decreased libido

decreased enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities

Parental concerns

As mentioned above, children who have an insuf-

ficient energy intakes over prolonged periods of time

may not reach expected growth rates. Furthermore,

they may lose weight and ultimately experience

stunted growth and develop nutrition-related compli-

cations. Parents should ensure that a registered doctor

monitors growth rates regularly or a suitably qualified

professional.

Resources

BOOKS

Garrow, J.S., James, W.P.T. and Ralph, A.Human Nutrition

and Dietetics, 10th Edition. Churchill Livingstone.

Thomas, B.Manual of Dietetic Practice,3rd Edition.

Blackwell Science Ltd.

PERIODICALS

Benedict, F.G., Miles, W.R., Roth, P. and Smith, M. ‘‘Human

vitality and efficiency under prolonged restricted diet.’’

Cited in Garrow, J.S., James, W.P.T. and Ralph, A.

Human Nutrition and Dietetics10th Edition. Churchill

Livingstone.

Keys, A., Brozek, J., Hanschel, A., Mickelson, O. and Taylor,

H.L. ‘‘The biology of human starvation.’’The Journal of

Nutrition135, 1347(6).

ORGANIZATIONS

<http://www. http://www.b-eat.co.uk>.

<http://www.eatright.org>.

Annette Laura Dunne, BSc (Hons) MSc RD

Cambridge diet

Definition

The Cambridge diet is a commercial very-low-

calorie diet (VLCD). The diet was first used only in

weight-loss clinics in the United Kingdom. In the early

1980s, the products associated with the diet (powder

mix, meal bars, and liquid meals) started selling com-

mercially in the United States and the United King-

dom. Formulations of the Cambridge diet in the

United Kingdom differ from that sold in the United

States. In both the United Kingdom and North Amer-

ica, the Cambridge products are available only from

distributors; they cannot be purchased over the coun-

ter at pharmacies or supermarkets.

Cambridge diet