Starvation and survival: some military considerations

The combination of calorie deprivation and forced evasion is a unique and severe stress. The physiologic adaptations which occur under these conditions are complex. Performance decrements and psychological changes are evident within 24 hours of cessation of nutritional intake. Although marked losses of both lean tissue and total body mass are unavoidable, ultimate survival duration depends on many things. This article reviews some of the physiologic and pathologic changes which occur during total calorie deprivation and some of the factors which impact on the ability to survive.