Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 994.2      ICD10: T73.0      ICD11: NF07.0

Starvation is a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake, below the level needed to maintain an organism's life.
It's the most extreme form of malnutrition.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Cause: Lack of access to food. This can be due to a variety of factors, including poverty, drought, war, political instability, natural disasters, and systemic failures in food distribution.
Physiological Effects: The body begins to break down its own tissues for energy. First, it depletes glycogen stores, then fat, and finally muscle tissue. This leads to:
Weight Loss: Dramatic weight loss is a hallmark of starvation.
Muscle Wasting: Loss of muscle mass leads to weakness and fatigue.
Organ Damage: As the body breaks down, organs can be damaged. The heart, liver, and kidneys are particularly vulnerable.
Weakened Immune System: Starvation severely impairs the immune system, making the individual highly susceptible to infections.
Metabolic Slowdown: The body tries to conserve energy by slowing down metabolic processes.
Edema (Swelling): Fluid retention and swelling, especially in the ankles and feet, can occur.
Skin Changes: Skin becomes dry, thin, and prone to lesions.
Hair Loss: Hair can become brittle and fall out.
Cognitive Impairment: Starvation can affect brain function, leading to confusion, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Death: If left untreated, starvation ultimately leads to death.
Psychological Effects: Starvation also has profound psychological effects, including:
Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are common.
Anxiety: Increased worry and fear.
Irritability: Being easily agitated or angered.
Apathy: Loss of interest in activities and people.
Social Withdrawal: Isolating oneself from others.
Rehabilitation: Re-feeding a severely starved person requires careful medical supervision to avoid refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal metabolic disturbance that can occur when food is reintroduced too quickly.

In summary, starvation is a life-threatening condition that results from a prolonged and severe lack of food. It has devastating physical and psychological consequences and requires immediate medical attention.