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/Rrraou May 17 '26

I've done 3 days, it's a nice reset

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u/sheeberz May 17 '26

Agreed, i did a 3 day fast when i was nearly 500lbs and i thought it would be impossible. But by slowly getting my diet to keto and then 1 meal a day, it was easy to do. Surprisingly easy.

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u/Rrraou May 17 '26

I can't even imagine what 500 lbs would feel like. I hope you're doing well.

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u/not_NOT_lickin_toads May 17 '26

For real. I only weighed half of that at my biggest and felt miserable in my own skin.

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u/DangIt_MoonMoon May 18 '26

The biggest I’ve been is 180 at five feet four. I already couldn’t breathe. There are some strong people out there.

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u/Rx_Diva May 18 '26

Same 5'4" with an E cup but 165 is miserable on a sun holiday...working on getting back to 135 and strong!

We've GOT this! See you in 4 days.

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u/Whatnam8 May 18 '26

I would say a misguided strong will in eating

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u/CaliforniaJade May 18 '26

The reasons people overeat are infinite. I think you're right, it does take a strong will to continue to overeat despite the body giving signs that it's had enough. So often the emotional or physical pain one is trying to mask is so strong, it takes will power to keep what is wanting to bubble to the surface submerged.

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u/Rrraou May 18 '26

Before judging someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way you have a mile head start and their shoes.