What do you think of starvation mode?

[TKay]

I'm part of the group that's doing the Beck Diet Solution (see post on this bb if you're not familiar). While I haven't officially started any particular diet, I have cut back on my caloric intake. I've also started walking regularly, something I hadn't previously been doing. I was very disappointed that I didn't lose weight during my first few weeks of doing this.
My sister suggested my body may be in starvation mode. She said that from what she's read, any time you cut 500 calories or more from your daily intake, your body goes into starvation mode. I'm SURE I've cut at least that many.
My question is this, what do you think of this theory? Have any of you experienced it? Do you have any knowlege of what happens? I did some very brief research online and came up with vastly differing opinions about it. Some experts believe it's completely bogus and doesn't really exist. Others seem to be certain that it's a scientific fact. Just wondering what you guys think.
I guess it would be a comfort to think my body is just adjusting to the change and will kick into weight loss mode before long. But I'm not convinced this is what's really going on.

[TieKitty]

I've read that when your body thinks you are not getting enough food it goes into "starvation mode". In other words, going back to cave men days, your body stores fat to keep you from starving to death. It was a defense mechanism for survival.

My thinking is if you keep walking or doing other forms of exercise your metabolism will increase and you will begin to lose weight. Don't get discouraged! Your body will adjust.

[SusanMac]

I've consistently read what TieKitty posted, as well. However, from what I've read, it happens when your body is not getting enough calories to meet your daily output needs. Just b/c you cut back on your calorie intake doesn't mean your body has reached this point.

It also seems quite normal to not lose pounds for up to 2 months after starting a workout program. Your body is acclimating, building muscle, changing its metabolism rhythms, etc. Also, while walking is great, it doesn't burn a ton of calories, which is why it might also take a bit longer to see a difference on the scale. Definitely focus on how your clothes fit & how you feel, as you might see a difference there first.

[funniegrrl]

When you start a new plan and don't lose weight, there could be a million reasons. I DO believe that "starvation mode" is a phenomenon that can occur, but it's not going to happen at the very beginning of a program. I am really well-read on the subject of weight-loss and fitness and lost nearly half my body weight a few years ago. I've talked to a lot of fitness experts -- the real ones, with real science behind them. I've been a part of several online and "in person" support groups and have seen the effects of "starvation mode" more than once. The only time it might be applicable at this stage, though, is if you have a history of being a yo-yo dieter and have been eating minimally already. I won't go into all the details here, but PM me if you want more info. I may be able to help you rule out some possibilities or find a trouble spot.

[TKay]

Thank you guys so much for the feedback. I have not been a yo-yo dieter, so I don't think that's it. In fact, I'm sure I buy that my body is genuinely in starvation mode. I was just curious as to what others think/know about the phenomenon. I am going to stay the course with my exercise and diet and see what happens. If I don't lose weight after a long while, then I'll really question what's going on.
I guess I'm just frustrated by my lack of initial progress. In years past, I've not had trouble losing weight. I'd just adjust my diet a bit, exercise a little more and voila. Those days are gone. :( Ah, well. I'll get there one way or another.
Thanks again.