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India Today
01-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Water Only Fasting: More Harm Than Help?
Water Only Fasting: More Harm Than Help? By: Kashmik Singh Chouhan Popular on social media for quick weight loss and 'mental clarity,' but experts now warn it could be doing more harm than good. University of Sydney researchers studied 20 adults who fasted with water only for 10 days, followed by 5 days of refeeding. 1. Study Details Participants lost about 7.7% of their body weight and saw a 6% drop in waist size dramatic results in just 10 days. 2. Rapid Weight Loss Contrary to expectations, fasting raised inflammatory proteins (like CRP and IL-8), not lowered them potentially straining the immune system. 3. Spike in Inflammation Markers showed the body was breaking down muscle and bone fueling weight loss, but at a physical cost. 4. Muscle and Bone Stress Fasting may reduce amyloid proteins (linked to Alzheimer's), but experts still caution about its impact on memory and cognition. 5. Memory and Focus Risks Fasters reported headaches, insomnia, and low blood pressure signs water only fasting isn't easy on the body. 6. Headaches and Dizziness Experts warn people with heart or blood vessel issues should avoid water only fasting it can raise risks instead of helping. 7. Heart and Vascular Strain Results are based on 20 participants. Effects vary. Experts stress the importance of medical supervision for prolonged fasting. 8. Not a One Size Fits All Yes, water fasting offers fast weight loss but the bodily costs, including inflammation, muscle loss, and memory risk, may outweigh the benefits. A safer alternative? Consult a doctor and try balanced, guided approaches instead.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Starving to get slim? Water-only fasting trend may be burning more than just fat, experts warn in revealing study
Scrolling through wellness influencers and biohackers on social media, you might have come across glowing testimonials about the benefits of water-only fasting—claims of rapid weight loss , mental clarity, and even anti-inflammatory effects. But new research and medical experts caution that the reality is far more complex—and potentially harmful. Water fasting, as the name suggests, involves abstaining from all food and drink except for water, typically for 1 to 3 days. Its popularity has grown especially among those seeking quick weight loss solutions, but health professionals are urging caution. According to a study cited by Science Alert and AOL, while participants did shed weight—an average of 7.7% of body mass over 10 days—the fast also triggered a slew of worrying physiological responses. More Than Just a Headache: The Hidden Costs of Fasting Short-term side effects reported included headaches, low blood pressure, and insomnia. But it's what was found in participants' blood work that raised even more red flags. The study observed a surprising rise in proteins associated with inflammation , such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), suggesting that rather than calming the body's immune response, water fasting may actually agitate it. This is significant because inflammation is a key player in the development of several chronic illnesses , including heart disease and autoimmune disorders. As the researchers stated, 'While the acute inflammatory response during prolonged fasting may serve as a transient adaptive mechanism, it raises concerns regarding potential cardiometabolic effects that could persist after refeeding.' Muscle Loss, Memory Risks, and the Question of Long-Term Harm In addition to inflammation, researchers found a decrease in proteins associated with maintaining muscle and bone integrity. Worryingly, levels of amyloid beta—proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease—also dropped. While this might seem positive at first glance, researchers say it could point to alterations in brain function that are not yet fully understood. You Might Also Like: 22 kg weight loss with 3 very easy lifestyle changes: How 'healthy' foods were holding back this man However, experts stress that these findings are not conclusive. The study had a limited sample size—just 20 participants, all of whom were classified as overweight. It remains unclear how water fasting might affect individuals with different body types or existing health conditions. Between Hype and Health While intermittent fasting has been credited in other studies with benefits such as slowing cellular aging and reducing inflammation, this research paints a more complicated picture. As such, experts advise that any form of prolonged fasting should only be undertaken with medical supervision. In an era where wellness trends go viral faster than scientific results can keep up, this serves as a crucial reminder: social media might deliver compelling before-and-after photos, but it doesn't always provide the full picture. As the science continues to evolve, one thing is clear—what works for some might be risky for others, and blindly following fasting fads could do more harm than good. So the next time you're tempted to dive into a water-only fast because your favorite influencer swears by it, remember: real health isn't a trend—and your body deserves more than just what's trending online. You Might Also Like: Forget weight-loss jabs: These nutritionist-approved foods can naturally cut fat without side effects
