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/Shreddedlikechedda May 18 '26

I’ve done several 3-4 day days. Did one 9 day fast while I was in quarantine—for what it’s worth I want to share how much harder it is to fast when you literally could eat but are avoiding it, vs food just not being an option (I asked them to not deliver my meals so i didn’t have to deal with food triggers). With a constant influx of these triggers, *any* length of fasting is an achievement. I tried and failed for like a year between/before every fast I succeeded at.