Study identifies multi-organ response to seven days without food
www.sciencedaily.com
New findings reveal that the body undergoes significant, systematic changes across multiple organs during prolonged periods of fasting. The results demonstrate evidence of health benefits beyond weight loss, but also show that any potentially health-altering changes appear to occur only after three days without food.

Fasting for a week:

  • Causes significant changes in protein levels across various organs.
  • May have health benefits beyond weight loss, but only after 3 days.
  • Switches energy source from glucose to fat after 2-3 days.
  • Average weight loss of 5.7 kg (fat and muscle), with most fat loss sustained after 3 days of eating.

Implications:

  • Provides insights into the molecular basis of fasting’s health effects.
  • Paves the way for developing alternative treatments based on fasting benefits.
  • Confirms historical use of fasting for specific health conditions.
  • Baahb@lemmy.world
    21·
    9 months ago

    Researchers followed 12 healthy volunteers taking part in a seven-day water-only fast. The volunteers were monitored closely on a daily basis to record changes in the levels of around 3,000 proteins in their blood before, during, and after the fast. By identifying which proteins are involved in the body’s response, the researchers could then predict potential health outcomes of prolonged fasting by integrating genetic information from large-scale studies.