Overview
Prolonged fasting for weight loss doesn't work, in part because your metabolism slows down when you deprive your body of nutrients. But there's some evidence from Cornell University that intermittent fasting might work to help you lose weight. Still, before you start any type of diet program -- especially one as extreme as fasting -- you should see your doctor for a complete checkup.
Fasting Basics
Weight loss involves simple math: you have to shave 3,500 calories from your diet or burn the calories in exercise in order to shed one pound of fat tissue. However, fasting causes your body's metabolism to slow down, in some cases dramatically. This may represent an instinctive effort by your body to preserve fat stores in the face of starvation. However, this response makes it difficult for you to lose weight through prolonged fasting.
Intermittent Fasting Basics
If you fast for just one day, your metabolism does slow somewhat, but generally not enough to sabotage weight-loss efforts. In addition, it may take you up to two weeks to regain the weight you lost during that one-day fast. Cornell University nutrition and psychology professor David Levitsky says that this could argue for using intermittent fasting for weight loss.
Weight Loss Opportunity
If you fast, or go completely without food, for one day each week, your body won't have a chance to "catch up" and regain the weight you lose before the next fast, according to Cornell University. Over time, this could lead to significant weight loss -- especially since you'll in effect be cutting one-seventh of your total weekly calorie intake.
Considerations
Despite the potential benefits, intermittent fasting doesn't represent the best avenue to long-lasting weight loss -- to accomplish that goal, you should adjust your diet, not fast. In addition, fasting for even one day can lead to some unpleasant side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, headaches and feelings of dizziness, according to Vanderbilt University.
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