Catabolysis | |
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A Vietnamese man, showing signs of starvation. | |
Specialty | Endocrinology |
Causes | Malnutrition |
This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2012) |
Catabolysis is a biological process in which the body breaks down fat and muscle tissue in order to stay alive. Catabolysis occurs only when there is no longer any source of protein, carbohydrate, or vitamin nourishment feeding all body systems; it is the most severe type of malnutrition.