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A weight loss 48 hour fast has become a hot strategy for kickstarting a diet or for keeping up on a regular basis to promote fat loss. Clearly, consuming nothing but water for two solid days is a quick way to slash your caloric intake. As a result, it could provide you with a bit of a head start in your efforts to burn fat. However, as with everything when it comes to weight management, this is a more complex issue than it appears to be.
Will a Weight Loss 48 Hour Fast Lower the Bathroom Scale Reading?
It might. If you go through a weight loss 48 hour fast, provided you keep up your fluid intake, you will likely lose some retained water. This isn’t burned fat, but it will definitely provide you with a number reduction on the bathroom scale. In fact, you may even lose more than just water, depending on your metabolism, age, gender, and the way your body naturally functions.
However, it may surprise you to discover that a couple of days of fasting won’t help you burn as much body fat as you think. Moreover, there are some safety issues that could also prove to be problematic even within that short span of time.
Safety Considerations for a Weight Loss 48 Hour Fast
While you may experience benefits, there are also important safety considerations to take into account when facing a weight loss 48 hour fast. These are important to know because this strategy and this length of time is not appropriate for everyone. For some people, it may be just fine, but for others, it could be downright dangerous or just plain harmful.
Find out if fasting is right for you. You should also recognize that the longer you do it, the greater the risk of side effects. If you decide it is appropriate for you, but you find yourself feeling unwell, it’s always best to stop. Err on the side of safety and consult with your doctor if you want to know if something you’re experiencing is normal and still safe.
Among the most common initial side effects of a fasting for 2 days, even among healthy adults, include the following:
- Hunger
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue/sluggishness
- Exhaustion
- Social issues
- Medical conflicts
Remember that there are many common medical conditions that make it unlikely that a weight loss 48 hour fast will be suitable for you. Never try this strategy without consulting a doctor first if you have a medical condition including but not limited to:
- Diabetes
- Low blood pressure
- A history of eating disorders
- Underweight
- Pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding or have a history of amenorrhea
- Taking medications such as blood pressure drugs, insulin, blood thinners, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
* This article is for informational purposes only and not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medications, supplements, diet, or exercise routine.