Fasting: Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Fasting has come under new scrutiny in the field of scientific research, with a recent study conducted by researchers from Queen Mary University in London and the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences shedding light on the complex mechanisms of fasting and its impact on the human body.
The study, published by the “Newsweek” website, followed 12 healthy volunteers through a strict water-only fast for seven days. This period of calorie restriction provided researchers with a unique opportunity to monitor the body’s response to fasting over extended periods. Volunteers were closely monitored, with special attention paid to changes in blood biomarkers, providing valuable insights into the physiological adaptations that occur during fasting.
Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
One of the key findings of the study was the observation of the body shifting from glucose to fats as the primary source of fuel during the early days of fasting. This metabolic transition underscores the remarkable ability of the body to adapt to periods of nutrient scarcity. Throughout the fast, participants showed an average weight loss of 5.7 kilograms, including both fat mass and lean mass.
The study’s findings extended beyond mere metabolic changes; researchers identified significant alterations in blood protein markers as early as the third day of fasting, indicating a comprehensive systemic response. It is noteworthy that these changes included proteins crucial for the structural integrity of brain cells, suggesting potential cognitive benefits associated with fasting.
Claudia Langenberg, Director of the Precision Health Institute at Queen Mary University (PHURI), emphasized the groundbreaking nature of these results, stating, “For the first time, we are able to see what is happening at the molecular level throughout the body when we fast.”
She asserted that with proper medical supervision, fasting could serve as an effective intervention for weight loss and may lead to additional health benefits that go beyond mere calorie restriction.
