You have to eat, I'll add an advice at the beginning of the game
This doesn't appear to work for me either. From your warning there's a "weight loss" mechanic of sorts -- is this accumulating a BE / AE penalty even before the player starts using potions (ie, remains at level 0)? Given how little money you earn at the start I imagine most people spend several days just earning money before they even start with any of the fun stuff.