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Katherine Grant
Professor Salgat
ENG 111-24
September 10, 2014
A Fast Track toBias?
So easy, a caveman could do it is Geicos oft-quoted slogan. But recently, an article in
Muscle & Body magazine seeks to steal its premise for the sake of applying it to a trendy form of
slenderizing discussed in July 2014s issue. The Hunger Games delves into human ancestrys
mannerisms of intermittent fasting (IF) by comparing it to modern-day yo-yo dieting. Its
principles are splayed out for readers to implement in their own food regimens while being
gently reminded of potential perpetual pitfalls. Nonetheless, the decision to utilize IF strategies
lies in their hungry hands.
How IF typically works is simple, according to author Victor R. Prisk, M.D.: Start by
dramatically reducing ones caloric intake, then habitually do so for a prolonged period. The
body should be able to use all stored glucose (glycogen) as a source of fuel under such restricted
conditions (34). From there, fat stores will be tapped for additional energy, thus rendering ones
body to exist in a state of fat burning as it often is unscientifically referred to. A problem pops
up when this deficit continues for too long though, since the human body will begin to
cannibalize its own muscle tissue in order to carry on with necessary functioning by degenerating
amino acids. In other words, hard-earned muscle is chewed away just for daily upkeep because
the body fears self-destruction. (Steady metabolism is also compromised since there isnt a need
to torch through any hoarded macronutrients.)

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New muscle wont be built in a half-starved life-form, either. What previously was there
will be slowly destroyed, again warping weight loss progress; and to make matters worse, the
bodys new aim is to hang on to even the tiniest morsel digestedin the form of visceral fat.
Until the cycle of deprivation is broken, a metaphorical burned-out furnace shall flicker, resulting
in no further flab shedding.
Case in point, long-term calorie reduction is bad, unhealthy. Although, IFs occasional
resurrection in an otherwise normal diet may give the body a chance to clear those stockpiled
reservoirs for intervals of shaping up. Thats great, yet one looming question arises from The
Hunger Games' true intentions despite a plethora of biological backing: Is there bias in Prisks
writing, or is he giving America the real deal?
Right off the bat, credentials lay the article a solid base. Prisk, MD, is a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon and IFBB pro bodybuilder. He is a member of the GNC Medical
Advisory Board, creator of the G.A.I.N. Plan, an All-American gymnast, champion swing
dancer and NPC Welterweight National Champion as described in Muscle & Body (Prisk 36).
Its safe to say that his knowledge is well-rounded, and there is accountability behind the oaths
all doctors must make prior to taking on a medical career. Moreover, he invites a fellow
consultant, geneticist James Neel, to elaborate on the workings of IF throughout the piece.
Bolded headings that read Heres What You Need to Know and Should You Fast? give
readers the opportunity to consider what was said and gradually ease into the program if desired,
too. This technique provides an honest view where facts can be weighed against personal beliefs
in eating before going in blind. Plus, his sentence structuring is more suggestive than instructive,
as in You dont have to do a full fast to get the effects of fasting (Prisk 36). Different fasting
splits are thereafter broken down to illustrate more manageable forms in todays busy society.

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Allowing subscribers to inspect numerous ways to go about fasting alleviates the pressure to
integrate it now or never, to boot. Given these observations, Prisk seems like an impartial
contributor.
Certain aspects of this work give off an opposing vibe, on the other hand. While his
accolades are admirable, Dr. Prisk is an employee of GNC. His position on the companys board
could sway his writings so that they support the increased use of supplementation over real food,
the latter of which GNC doesnt market. Fasting equals less grubwhats to make up for its
absence? The newest protein powder manufactured by their brand? Speaking of products, the
convenient placement of five goods sold exclusively in GNCs stores sure is unusual. They
happen to nicely border two columns on two respective pages (separated by, of course,
advertisements for more non-FDA regulated items). Heck, Muscle & Body is distributed at no
cost when consumers make in-store purchases for a reason! There probably wouldnt be shock
value in the publics eyes if they learned Prisk actually did receive kickbacks for allowing plugs
in his articles, freebies withstanding. Another curiosity stems from the multitude of academic
lingo. Unless the theories of IF are perused by nerds, ordinary skimmers might accidentally miss
the downsides via complex terminology, introducing a set of rose-colored glasses. Alas, inserting
scholarly lingo and pushing product placement as a method of inconspicuous allusion skew
information for the benefit of a single man.
The decision is up to readers at the end of the day as to whether or not Prisks evaluation
of IF is worthy of a go. Chances are, hes fighting the good fight, adhering to a covenant of
presenting findings in earnest to readers who seek professional advice. The background he
possesses is more than enough to legitimize his words, given his high status in multiple
disciplines. Granted, he could be hyperbolizing IF for the sake of fads and reimbursement, but he

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primarily regurgitated facts rather than slip in personal opinion. There was no fluffy talk
only science speak. In fact, maybe those advertised supplements are of use to an individual
practicing IF. With regards to the decreased levels of energy intake, one may find him or her self
in need of accessory nutrients in the vein of vitamins and minerals. The catch would be spacing
them out appropriately due to the nature of the beast (specifically, fasting windows). Prisk
basically is doing his job: Give hard evidence, back a cause. Its time for readers to reciprocate
with ripped results. Why, if cavemen could handle the challenge, then astute Homo sapiens are
prepared tenfold.

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Works Cited
Prisk, Victor R. The Hunger Games. Muscle & Body July 2014: 32-36. Print.

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