Research paper
Zauner C, Schneeweiss B, Kranz A, Madl C, Ratheiser K, Kramer L, Roth E, Schneider B, Lenz K. "Resting energy expenditure in short-term starvation is increased as a result of an increase in serum norepinephrine." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2000; 71(6):1511-1515. DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/71.6.1511
Why we cite it
Provides direct empirical evidence that short-term fasting increases resting energy expenditure rather than decreasing it, and identifies the norepinephrine mechanism behind this effect. This counters the widespread "starvation mode" myth and explains the alertness many people experience during fasting.
About the author
Dr. Christian Zauner is a professor of internal medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, where he heads the Medical Intensive Care Unit and the outpatient clinic for nutrition medicine in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.