Fasting involves avoiding all solid foods for a set period of time, typically between one and five days. During a fast, you can drink water or juice. It's important to get plenty of rest while fasting. It is possible to fast longer than five days if you do so with the help of a professional. By fasting, you reduce your intake of calories, which can possibly help you lose weight, although the weight loss benefits may be short-lived.
Benefits
Fasting may help you lose weight, according to a December 2007 article in "U.S. News." Skipping an occasional meal reduces your intake of calories and can help your body burn fat. The article states that regular fasting can also help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. While you are fasting, your metabolism is lowered, making your body more sensitive to glucose and insulin when you do begin eating again. Eating less can cause your body to produce fewer cancer-causing free radicals.
Considerations
Fasting can cause side effects, according to the American Cancer Society. Skipping meals in an attempt to lose weight can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness and irregular heartbeat. Long-term fasts can cause problems with your immune system and do damage to your liver and kidneys. If you are thinking about fasting to lose weight, talk to your doctor first. If you have cancer or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not skip meals or perform any type of fast.
Long-Term Results
KidsHealth.org states that while fasting may help you lose weight in the short time, skipping meals does not add up to permanent weight loss. Most of the weight you drop while fasting comes from water loss, and some weight loss due to fasting may be a sign of your body losing muscle, not fat. Once you are done fasting and return to your regular diet, chances are good that you will regain the weight you lost during your fast.
Expert Insight
In an article on the Today website, Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom, found of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Weight Management Center, states that long-term fasting may cause health issues. If you go several days without food, your body may start break down your muscle tissues to get the protein it needs. Fernstrom states that fasting can put unnecessary strain on your body. Consider following a healthy diet and exercise routine instead of fasting for weight loss.
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