Part 4/14:
Fasting vs. Caloric Restriction: Different Physiological Pathways
While both fasting and calorie restriction involve consuming fewer calories, their physiological impacts differ significantly. When one limits calories without fasting, the body perceives a caloric deficit and adjusts by slowing down metabolism, often breaking down muscle tissue. Conversely, fasting triggers a distinct metabolic response—initiating the process of accessing fat reserves without signaling starvation.