Find out exactly why fasting is the last method you want to try for weight loss.
Have you ever been tempted to severely restrict your calories (consume
less than 1000 calories per day) by fasting, juicing, or skipping meals
in order to lose weight? This may seem like a logical way to go - after
all, the fewer calories you take in, the more weight you lose... right?
Well, not quite.
The Claim
Fasting will result in quick weight loss as well as cleanse the body of harmful toxins.
The Attraction
Quick weight loss! Reduce your body of "harmful toxins"! Who doesn't
want that? Fasting results in a weight loss of approximately 4 - 5 lbs
of water weight in the first one to two days. If you continue
to fast for the rest of the week, you will lose an additional 3 or 4
lbs of fat and muscle. This brings your total weight loss by the end of
a week-long fast to approximately 7 - 9 lbs. Losing this amount of
weight in one week is a temptation many find hard to resist.
The Truth
Weight loss resulting from a fast or severe calorie restriction is
always temporary - after all, more than half of the promised weight
loss is from water and muscle, NOT fat. In regards to "toxins,"
your body is constantly turning over old cells (toxins), but there is
no evidence that your body rids old cells at a faster rate when you
fast. In fact, fasting is likely to slow this natural process since
your metabolism will slow down.
The Consequences
You may be thinking, "So the thing about toxins isn't true - big deal!
Isn't fasting still a good way to lose weight for an upcoming special
occasion or social event?" Only if you're willing to suffer all of the NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES , including:
1. A Decrease in Metabolism
During fasting, your body goes into starvation mode, resulting in a
decrease in metabolism, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and
breathing rate. Your body is now trying to conserve energy and will
begin to store fat reserves away any way it can. Once you start to eat
adequate calories again, all of these processes, including your
metabolic rate, will return to normal unless the fast is for an
extended period of time (1 -2 weeks) in which case the effects may be
longer lasting, even permanent. Bluntly put: By altering your
metabolism, fasting can ironically ruin your body's ability to lose
weight!
2. Muscle Loss
A percentage of muscle loss is
an inevitable result of any weight loss program; however, this loss is
accelerated when weight loss is very rapid as it is with fasting.
Losing muscle will contribute to the sustained, even permanent drop in
metabolism as described above. This essentially means that continued
weight loss will become increasingly difficult.
3. Bone Loss
Prolonged fasting results in an acidic state called "ketosis." The
body, always seeking balance, attempts to reduce this acidic state
using its natural antacid - calcium, which is drawn from your bones.
Repeated fasting may eventually result in osteoporosis.
4. Constipation
A slower metabolism paired with too little food and fiber results in
the uncomfortable side effect of constipation. In certain cases
(frequently relating to decreased calorie intake), constipation can
become severe enough as to require emergency medical treatment.
5. General Malaise
Along with all of the above, fasting for weight loss commonly produces
dizziness, nausea, fatigue, irritability, headache, and reduced mental
and cognitive abilities.
Plus, in the end, most fasters will regain all the weight they lose and more.
Still think it's worth it?
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