Water fasting is becoming popular for quick weight loss and detox. It means drinking only water for 24 to 72 hours or even longer, without eating anything or taking calories. Many people try it to lose weight fast and may see quick results in the beginning, but experts say it is not as safe as it looks.
Dr Anshuman Kaushal spoke about its risks in an Instagram video. He is a doctor who studies stomach and weight-related issues. He said people may see short-term benefits, but it can harm the body over time and the results do not last long. He also warned people to be careful before trying such trends.
In an Instagram video, he says, “Is water fasting a health hack or a controlled self-damage? For most people, DIY water fasting is a bad idea. Short-term weight loss is achieved, and BP improves slightly. But long-term metabolic benefits are not strong.” He explains that fasting should be done under medical supervision, not by following YouTube or Instagram trends. He then breaks it down into three simple parts.
What does red light mean?
For people with type 1 diabetes, or those who are weak or undernourished, water fasting can be risky. It is also dangerous for those who have recently lost weight or have low electrolytes. People who take regular medicines should also avoid it. In such cases, fasting can harm the body instead of helping. He says, “Fasting on a high-risk body can become an accident, not an experiment."
Yellow light may not be as simple as it looks
Even if the goal is short-term weight loss or better blood pressure, medical checks are important. People should not try fasting without proper medical advice. It may look simple, but it can affect the body in many ways. The doctor stresses, “fasting is easy, but refeeding is a scientific reality”. Without proper medical guidance, the risks can increase.
Green light is still not risk-free
Even if someone is healthy, fasting without supervision is not advised. He explains, “If you are healthy, labs are normal, consuming no risky medicines, then also fasting should not be DIY. Why? Because risk is not zero. There should be a clear reason. There should be an exit plan.”
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What happens to your body?
In his caption, he explains, “You're not detoxing, just switching fuel systems,” and describes what happens in the body. In the first 1–3 days, the body loses water weight. After that, the body starts using fat for energy, but muscle breakdown also begins and electrolytes can go out of balance. This can lead to problems like tiredness, dizziness, dehydration, high uric acid, and even serious conditions like refeeding syndrome.
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'Not safe or good for long-term weight loss'
Experts say people should understand their body instead of following extreme trends from social media. Such methods can do more harm than good. It is better to choose simple and healthy habits. Eating a balanced diet, getting proper nutrition, and exercising regularly are safer ways to stay fit. These methods also give better results over time as experts suggest.
