Question

A very obese person wishes to lose weight by fasting for prolonged time, i.e., weeks, with drinking only water.

Answer the following question

Will this approach succeed in getting rid of the extra fat stored in the body? Explain.

Is there any danger in this approach? Explain.

What types of supplements should he take to increase his chances of weight loss without jeopardizing his health? Explain.

Answer 1

Fats are the reserve store of energy for the body, which is used up only when all other possible souces of energy are used up. The problem with complete fasting is that the body would first use up the glycogen stored in our liver. Then it will use up proteins that are in our muscles and tissue, which will lead to wasting away of the muscles. It can lead to serious health problems, thus complete fasting is not a good option.

The best way is to have a diet rich in protein, but deficient in fats and carbohydrates, which will prevent muscle wasting and ensure that fats are properly burnt.