Macro partitioning

During refeeding after semistarvation, elevated de novo lipogenesis (DNL) combined with increased fat intake causes a rapid overshoot of body fat mass, which takes more than one year to return to baseline levels even with original diet and activity.

After a period of significant weight loss or starvation, your body will likely store fat rapidly when you start eating normally again. This is driven by increased fat synthesis (DNL) and high fat intake. Don't panic; this overshoot is not permanent. If you return to your pre-starvation diet and activity levels, your body fat will eventually return to baseline, but expect it to take over a year, not weeks.