Fasting limits the time window for eating, naturally reducing overall calorie intake. This can lead to weight loss if it creates a calorie deficit.
During fasting, insulin levels drop, prompting the body to use stored glucose and fat for energy. This may enhance fat burning.
Fasting can affect hormones like insulin, glucagon, and growth hormone, which regulate metabolism and fat storage.
Short-term fasting generally preserves muscle mass by encouraging the body to burn fat stores instead.
Beyond weight loss, fasting may improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair processes (autophagy).
Methods like alternate-day fasting, time-restricted feeding (e.g., 16/8 method), and periodic prolonged fasting (24-72 hours) offer different benefits and challenges.
Fasting isn't suitable for everyone. Individuals with medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women.