Intermittent Fasting: Does Fasting to Lose Weight Work?
Posted by admin on Sep 2, 2009
Intermittent fasting is the practice of fasting to lose weight. It is becoming one of the most popular weight loss methods for people that need to lose weight in a hurry. Trying to lose weight quickly is not always an easy task but sometimes beach season or a wedding can quickly creep and before you know you are left in a position where you may only have a few weeks or less to shed that unwanted poundage.
But can fasting to lose weight really help you get into the shape you desire? Intermittent fasting requires you to cycle days of normal food consumption with a 24 hour fast during which you consume nothing but water. The general premise is that during the fast you give your body a break allowing the digestive system to digest the previous day’s food, heal and rest while at the same time allowing the body to eliminate any toxins.
When fasting to lose weight calorie intake is restricted and creates a calorie deficit. During a calorie deficit (when the amount of calories consumed is less than that required for maintenance of bodily functions) the body is forced to use the fat stores as a source of energy.
There is also some evidence to suggest that intermittent fasting increases the levels of growth hormone in the body. Increased growth hormone may truly be one of the fastest ways to lose weight because its function is to preserve muscle mass and increases the levels of fat burning. Its effect may be intensified when intermittent fasting is used in combination with a solid fitness plan.
For example it is well known that physical activity and exercise is one of the fastest ways to lose weight because it increases the amount of calories needed making it easier to achieve a calorie deficit. It is this calorie deficit that is the key to weight loss, whether you are fasting to lose weight or other wise. If you are consuming more calories than your body needs then you will put on weight. If you are consuming less calories than your body needs your body will be forced to use fat stores and you will lose weight.
Whether or not intermittent fasting is the best vehicle of achieving this will depend on the individual in question. Foregoing any food for 24 hour period may take more self discipline than many have, it also leaves some people feeling tired and irritable. Those who have managed to break through the initial stages and get accustomed to this method often say that fasting to lose weight is one of the best ways to lose weight quickly.
