On the Continental Divide Trail, I lost 48 pounds, only to gain back 72 over the next 15 months after I completed the trail. The hiker hunger did not go away just because I was off trail. Before starting the PCT, I did manage to lose 33 of that 72 back by going low carb. The hiker hunger is a real thing and hits me once I've used up the majority of my fat reserves. It just started hitting me really strong three days ago. I'll eat something to curb the hunger pain, and within 15 minutes the hunger pain returns.