Does Fasting Help Out?

[Isabellas2007]

I know that some people say they like to fast to lose weight. I am curious does this method actually work or not? I am interested in it because I have some friends who tell me it works, but others tell me it does not.

[Sugarhill]

As far as I'm concerned, if you aren't fasting for religious reasons, it's more starving yourself than anything else. Very few people actually follow a structured fasting program, such as intermittent and things of that nature.

But, I'm sure Shaun will come through and be able to break down his fasting method.

[endirio]

Intermittent Fasting helps. Check out the leangains program. I did it some time ago and got decent results.

[iGreek]

I believe in intermittent fasting, like doing a quick cut in the middle of a bulk. It helps me eat more afterwards and keeps me lean.

[Dugsmom]

I've never really looking into it but I would assume that fasting would put your body into starvation mode. Initially, you will lose weight but your body is also put on alert and starts to save fat (because it thinks it is going to starve and may need backup). When you stop fasting, you put back on that weight plus extra. At least, that's my reasoning. I would never fast or starve myself to lose weight. The side effects alone scares me away from that stuff. Just eat in moderation, don't snack on junk food all day, exercise and you'll start to see a difference.

[novasparker]

If I have a few pounds to lose, I will fast, but only for 8-12 hours...not for days on end. I just don't have the willpower or the desire to starve myself. But I will restrict my caloric intake for the majority of the waking day in order to jump start weight loss.

[tosaytheleast]

I am not so sure about this. I know that fasting works for some people to lose weight but I think this is dangerous if dome without a guidance of a professional so I suggest that you do not try this out right away. I still believe that your doctor has the best answer for your questions about losing weight.

[Kaybee517]

I have tried a fasting and cleanse before and it does help reduce bloat and excess water. However, in my experience the same manner I lost the weight is the same manner I gain it. So when I fasted I lost 5 pounds but within a week of normal eating I regained it back. I guess a fast is best used in a time crunch or for a significant event like a competition or a wedding. I wouldn't recommend a long term fast, as your body needs sufficient nutrients and fuel.

[shaun]

It will work, we know fasting turns on the fat burning process and increases insulin sensitivity. You do not need to starve yourself, you can fast simply by skipping breakfast - extending your overnight fast until lunch. You will feel hungry if you are a sugar-burner, though.

[tommymac]

I've never really looking into it but I would assume that fasting would put your body into starvation mode. Initially, you will lose weight but your body is also put on alert and starts to save fat (because it thinks it is going to starve and may need backup). When you stop fasting, you put back on that weight plus extra.

I have often heard this cited as fact, but I have never been able to confirm it. My own personal experience comes from about a period of about three weeks where I could hardly keep anything down. The weight came off, but I didn't notice my body storing any more fat than usual afterwards. But, of course, everyone is different

Does anyone have any evidence that backs up Dugsmom's theory? I'm really curious is she might be right.