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