Fasting for Weight Loss

Benefits and Approaches

Being overweight contributes to many chronic diseases and reduces life expectancy. Individuals experiencing physiological issues or psychosocial stress due to excess weight should consider natural treatments like fasting. Fasting is not starvation but a voluntary abstinence from food, undertaken with a specific goal, primarily weight loss, though it can also support other health objectives. During fasting, organs rest, addressing fatigue that disrupts metabolism and contributes to obesity. Abstaining from food allows the body to cleanse and shed weight. Choosing the right fasting method—monodiet, short zero diet, or long zero diet—is essential.

Types of Fasting

Monodiet: Involves eating one meal per day while consuming water or herbal tea in place of other meals, supporting hydration and detoxification.

Short Zero Diet (1–4 days): Popular for its simplicity, this involves fasting one day per week. Hunger diminishes after two to three days, reducing the urge to eat. No food is consumed, only fluids (2–3 liters daily, distributed evenly).

Long Zero Diet (1–3 weeks): Requires medical supervision and a calm, stress-free environment. Regular blood pressure monitoring is necessary due to significant metabolic changes.

Post-Fasting Nutrition

Successful weight loss through fasting can be undone without dietary changes. Returning to an improper diet leads to rapid weight regain. Post-fasting, start with light foods to avoid stressing the stomach. Begin with cooked vegetables on the first day. On the third day, introduce light dairy products, fruits, and whole-grain bread. From the fourth day, include boiled eggs, meat, or fish.