Hi everyone. I am 6’2’’ and 235 pounds, putting me at about 60 pounds overweight. I have been on a water fast for 4 days, and am hoping to go at least 30, with potentially more depending on how I feel. My question is is the fast safe because of my excessive fat storage? I am not that familiar with how the science works, but since my body has much fat stored, it can go a longer time with food in a state of ketosis. Is that how it works?
I’d certainly say it is safe yeah! As always, electrolytes electrolytes electrolytes!
30 days might be tough, you need to listen to your body stop and re feed if you need to, you can always fast again the next day
Hey there fasting friend! I’m on day 18 of a 30Day fast! I could lose 60 lbs (from my starting weight) and still be in normal weight range. My goal is to lose about 30 lbs!
Im here if you need support feel free to DM me! I can always use more support. 30 days is tough and no joke, but you can do it! Best of luck to you!
It’s not the amount of fat (unless you have a very low fat percentage) that makes an extended fast safe or not, it’s the way you do the fast. Being well hydrated, getting enough electrolytes and knowing when to stop (e.g. if you feel like you’re going to pass out) all contribute to make a fast safe.
Bodyfat is food, simple as. So long as you are above roughly 15% bodyfat, there’s still have enough food on you. Fasting beyond 2 or 3 days while <15% bodyfat is however not advisable.
If length is the goal, go as long as you can and do not be afraid to break the fast if your body goes into revolt. Lets say for example on day 21 you feel a sense of hunger return, and extreme lethargy sets in. That would mean its time to break the fast.
Also, do research on proper methods of re-feeding. If done incorrectly, you can end up with re-feeding syndrome. In extreme cases, re-feeding syndrome can be fatal.
Probably safe. I’m not your doctor.
Most folks who try for 30 days do ok; I was at a similar relative weight as you and did a 31-day fast. There are a few constraints on how long you can fast:
I don’t know that we have a lot of data on how much #2 varies among people and how much of a constraint it is. I do know that from reading people’s reports around 40 days things start getting more…interesting, and at 50 there have been some bad outcomes.
I would think hard about a vitamin supplement. I wouldn’t do a capsule, but perhaps a gel cap or powder. I took a gel cap around day 15 and took one every 4 or 5 days, but I was really shooting for autophagy and stem cells vs weight loss.
Also, knowing what I know if I was focused on weight loss, I’d have stopped at 14 days or so. Past that point I really burnt through muscle mass. Consider some shorter fasts with recovery period; there is certainly less to worry about.
First off, well done on 4 days!
Yes it’s safe but since you’re not experienced with fasting I’d strongly recommend you do a shorter fast such as 7 days and refeed and repeat. There’s minimal weight loss differences between fasting 7 days 4 times with refeeding, compared to 30 days but there’s significantly more risk, e.g electrolytes, refeeding syndrome, other potential issues.
There’s repeatedly a number of posts on this sub where inexperienced fasters want to go for extreme extended fasts such as 30 days etc right off the bat without having experience or knowledge of what they’re getting into, or how difficult it can get. Walk before you can run.
> going for 30 days
> not familiar with the science
You should definitely research this thoroughly before embarking on such a drastic measure. While forums like this can provide helpful tips and pointers, there is much more information you should learn that a Reddit comment can’t provide.
I don’t know much about fasting for a month but Ive heard stories of successes and stories of failures in that range. Only tip I can give is to not “push through pain” and give yourself permission to stop if it becomes necessary.