Should You Take a Weight Loss Bet?
Why a Weight Loss 72 Hour Fast is a Bad Idea
Fasting seems to be the go-to diet choice for a lot of people who need to lose weight these days. You might have read about the many different fasting techniques that you can try, and you might have even come across some information claiming that a fast is good for your overall health, as well as your weight.
Should you bother trying a weight loss 72 hour fast, in particular? We don’t recommend it. In fact, it can be a really bad idea. Keep reading to learn why.
What Is a Weight Loss 72 Hour Fast?
A weight loss 72 hour fast is one that requires that you don’t eat for three days. That’s right, it’s pretty extreme. All you do is drink water the entire time. This type of fast has become increasingly popular because it can be a method to try when you need to lose a few pounds quickly.
There Are Potential Benefits
Even though most experts don’t recommend this type of fast because it eliminates food intake for three whole days, there are potential benefits that may come with a water fast.
As a few examples, it might help reduce the risk of certain chronic ailments, it might improve leptin and insulin sensitivity, it might help lower your blood pressure, and it might stimulate what is known as autophagy.
The problem is that the studies on water fasting that involve humans are limited. Plus, a weight loss 72 hour fast is far more likely to do more harm than good.
What’s the Problem with a Weight Loss 72 Hour Fast?
Here are some of the drawbacks that can come with following this type of fasting plan:
- Most of the weight that people end up losing during a 72 hour fast is just water weight. In addition, you run the risk of losing muscle mass as well, and you definitely don’t want that to happen.
- You increase the risk of a form of low blood pressure known as orthostatic hypotension. Symptoms include feeling lightheaded or dizzy upon standing.
- You run the risk of becoming dehydrated.
- If you have an eating disorder, going on a weight loss 72 hours fast can increase the odds of it worsening.
- This type of fast might also cause other conditions, such as diabetes and gout, to become worse.
It Just Isn’t Worth the Risk
Sure, you can lose a few pounds by fasting for three days straight. But, is it worth it? No, there are too many health risks involved, and you will likely feel absolutely miserable the entire time. It’s better to take a more balanced approach to weight loss with the help of your doctor.
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