A New Simulation Reveals the Effects of 36-Hour Fasting
A recent simulation has explored the significant effects that a 36-hour fast can have on the human body. It’s interesting, right? You may have noticed that intermittent fasting has surged in popularity as a trendy way to lose weight.
Of course, abstaining from meals is quite the drastic approach to weight loss, and many health professionals caution against such extreme dieting methods. In addition to the advice from healthcare experts, a simulation video has shown what happens to the body during a prolonged fast.
These simulation videos, while sometimes a bit intense, can really help visualize the physiological changes that occur. One notable video from the Wellness Wise channel on YouTube explained how, after a few hours without food, the body starts to burn fat, which ultimately aids in weight loss.
According to the video, just four hours without eating can trigger some surprising changes in your body. The Emily Program, a diet and mental health service, also highlighted some lesser-known risks associated with intermittent fasting.
While losing weight through fasting is possible, the program pointed out that—similar to any restrictive diet—there are common side effects you might encounter.
- Intense hunger
- Fatigue and low energy
- Headaches, which can vary in intensity
- Dizziness
- Digestive problems, like constipation or bloating
- Mood swings and irritability
- Bad breath
- Sleep issues
- Dehydration
- Frequent urination
- Potential reproductive health impacts
- Risk of nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition
The Emily Program emphasized that there isn’t a lot of solid data available on intermittent fasting. They noted that current human studies are limited in scope and duration, partly because this diet isn’t particularly sustainable.
Many individuals find it tough to stick with intermittent fasting, as indicated by the high dropout rates in relevant studies.
James Betts, a metabolic physiology professor at the University of Bath, added a similar perspective, even noting that many enthusiasts promote its advantages. He told the Guardian, “There are many claimed benefits to using fats for energy. However, much of the research hasn’t been validated in humans. Therefore, we haven’t observed significant health benefits, especially in the short term.”
Furthermore, the Emily Program raised a red flag about some participants experiencing a higher risk of developing or worsening eating disorders. They clarified that although intermittent fasting itself is not classified as an eating disorder, ignoring hunger signals could lead to an unhealthy relationship with food.
