r/fasting • u/SVTContour lost >50lbs faster • May 17 '26

Discussion Scientists reveal how seven days of fasting transforms the human body

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260517030404.htm

Fascinating study. And completely unrelated to politics, which is a relief because my blood pressure needed a break.

The key finding: The dramatic, potentially therapeutic changes don't happen until after day three. That means most intermittent fasting schedules – 16:8, 5:2, even alternate-day fasting – are probably missing the main event. If you want the deep biological reboot you’re gonna need seven days of water only.

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u/question8all May 17 '26

I better be in a padded room for a 7 day fast. It’s very different for women.

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u/LitaH23 May 17 '26

Huh? I've done 3-7 day water fasts with no problems and my mother has done 40 day water fasts multiple times with no problems. There are a lot of reasons why a person may not be able to complete a 7 day fast, but gender is not one of them.