As recommendations for water-only fasting diets trend on social media, experts are cautioning individuals to consult with healthcare professionals before embarking on such diets due to potential health risks.
A recent study by an international group of researchers examined the effects of a strict water-only fast conducted over 10 days with 20 participants. On average, participants lost about 7.7% of their body weight; however, they also experienced various side effects, such as headaches, insomnia, and instances of low blood pressure.
Interestingly, fasting appeared to exacerbate inflammation and increase bodily stress, which could lead to serious health issues, especially in individuals with preexisting heart or vascular conditions.
“We initially hypothesized that extended water fasting would decrease inflammation,” explained physician scientist Luigi Fontana from the University of Sydney. “However, we actually found that prolonged fasting put additional stress on the body, increasing levels of pro-inflammatory proteins in the bloodstream, which could pose greater health risks for those already facing cardiovascular problems.”
The main way the researchers evaluated fasting’s impact was through protein levels in the blood. They observed a significant rise in proteins associated with inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 8 (IL-8).
There were also reductions in proteins tied to muscle and bone breakdown, alongside lower levels of amyloid beta proteins often connected to Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, it’s essential to note that these findings stem from a small and specific group of overweight individuals, leaving room for variability in larger populations or among different body types.
Moreover, the negative consequences of extended periods without food seem significant, indicating that medical guidance is crucial before starting a diet like this.
“While the short-term inflammatory response to prolonged fasting might act as a temporary adaptive mechanism, it raises concerns about potential long-term health effects, particularly regarding cardiometabolic health,” the researchers remarked in their publication.
They emphasized the need for further exploration into the long-term molecular and clinical effects of prolonged fasting across various demographics. The researchers also referenced earlier studies that pointed out the benefits of intermittent fasting, such as slowing cell aging and reducing inflammation, which contrasts with the findings in this study.
In recent years, there’s been more focus on intermittent fasting rather than extended fasting. It appears that for any real weight loss benefits with intermittent fasting, it should ideally be paired with calorie control, and there are some drawbacks to keep in mind.
Clearly, there isn’t a universal approach to fasting. Any method aimed at weight loss by severely restricting food intake needs to be handled carefully.
“Individuals are seeking effective ways to manage their weight, and while the results of water-only fasting can be quite striking, we need to gain a better understanding of its impacts over time,” Fontana stated.
The research findings are detailed in the journal Molecular Metabolism.
