Q:
Does fasting result in weight
loss?
Fasting for weight loss will lead to a short term reduction
in weight. However, the long term health
negatives greatly outweigh the short term benefits. The negatives include:
•The initial weight loss is due to a loss of water and not a
reduction in body fat.
•Fasting triggers your body into conservation mode. A reduction in calories results in your body
burning calories more slowly.
•When the fast ends and you return to your normal diet, a
slower metabolism with your normal diet will result in fat gain.
•The natural aging process results in a loss of muscle
mass. Loss of muscle mass with a slower
metabolism from fasting will result in long term fat gain.
Experts agree that fasting is not an effective way to lose
weight. A better option is a long term
approach consisting of a healthy diet and exercise (including strength
training). This approach will lead to a
caloric deficit due to burning more calories vs. reducing the caloric intake. This approach leads to a change in body
composition (e.g. reduction in body fat and gains in muscles mass).
The following website was
used as a reference in answering the question: