Fasting

Q:

Does fasting result in weight loss?

A:

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:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/diet-myth-truth-fasting-effective-weight-loss?page=2