Adaptive Thermogenesis
Adaptive thermogenesis is the persistent metabolic suppression that follows deep cost-cutting.
Cut too deep, trigger metabolic suppression, and even when revenue returns, the organization remains defensive, risk-averse, metabolically scarred.
During starvation, metabolism starts to drop - typically 10-15% below baseline. This is the body conserving energy, stretching reserves further. This phenomenon has a name: adaptive thermogenesis.
If resources return during phase 3 starvation, the organism can recover - but not fully. The metabolic suppression persists. Even after eating normally again, metabolism remains depressed, sometimes for months. The body learned that starvation is possible and keeps itself in a semi-defensive state.
This is why crash diets often backfire. The body enters phase 2 or 3 starvation response, metabolism drops, and even when eating resumes, the depressed metabolism makes regaining weight easier and losing it harder. You've trained your organism to conserve.
Business Application of Adaptive Thermogenesis
Adaptive thermogenesis is the persistent metabolic suppression that follows deep cost-cutting. Companies that cut too deep remain defensive and risk-averse even after revenue returns - metabolically scarred. Airbnb avoided this by being strategic about what to cut, protecting essential organs while removing non-core activities.
Adaptive Thermogenesis Appears in 2 Chapters
Adaptive thermogenesis during starvation causes persistent metabolic suppression - organisms remain in defensive state even after resources return.
Metabolic scarring from starvation →Brown adipose tissue generates heat through UCP1 protein that short-circuits ATP production - a 100% efficient heater critical for newborn survival.
Brown fat thermogenesis →