Losing weight is a hot topic nowadays. With the improvement of living conditions, people’s diet quality has greatly increased, leading to more overweight individuals. Being overweight not only affects one’s appearance but also brings about many health issues. Therefore, many overweight individuals, upon realizing their obesity, are particularly eager to lose weight. There are many methods for weight loss, and currently, there is a very popular weight-loss method that has been embraced by the obese population, known as the “fasting weight-loss method.”
The fasting weight-loss method, also known as “fasting therapy,” is significantly different from dieting. Dieting involves eating very little, but fasting essentially means not eating anything and instead replenishing the body with water, consuming some Chinese medicine to regulate Qi and blood, taking Western medicine to protect the body, and using other methods to enhance the body’s metabolism of fats. The weight-loss effect of fasting is quite significant. Take the example of a middle-aged obese man named Lao Zhang, who has already lost more than 80 pounds through fasting.
At 35 years old, Lao Zhang weighs over 280 pounds. Due to severe obesity, he often feels short of breath and struggles to walk even a few steps. A 35-year-old man looks like he’s 45. Recently, feeling constantly uncomfortable, he sought help from his classmate, Doctor Wang. After examining him, Doctor Wang found that Lao Zhang’s health was in poor condition, showing signs of high blood pressure and high blood sugar at a young age, which was closely related to his obesity. To improve his health, the first step was to lose weight.
Lao Zhang also wanted to lose weight but was always unsuccessful. To assist him in losing weight, Doctor Wang suggested a week-long fasting treatment. During this week of fasting, Lao Zhang was not allowed to eat anything but could drink water. He also needed to consume some Chinese medicine to regulate Qi and blood, take Western medicine to protect his body, and utilize other methods to boost his body’s fat metabolism.
The results of fasting were remarkable. In just seven days, Lao Zhang lost over ten pounds. After undergoing fasting five times consecutively, he lost over 80 pounds, and his health significantly improved. His blood sugar levels decreased, and his blood pressure was no longer as high. Lao Zhang’s mental and physical states greatly improved, no longer experiencing shortness of breath after a few steps, and his metabolism also increased.
Doctor Wang advised Lao Zhang that although losing 80 pounds was a great achievement, he was still very overweight, with 200 pounds to lose to reach the standard weight. Continuing the effort was crucial. If he gave up midway and returned to overeating, not only would he fail to lose weight, but he might also experience weight rebound. Fortunately, Lao Zhang was determined. Upon returning home, he controlled his diet and intermittently underwent fasting therapy. As a result, he shed over 20 pounds, now weighing just over 170 pounds. Lao Zhang said he would persist until reaching the standard weight of 140 pounds.
Many individuals attempting to lose weight may be puzzled by the idea that fasting, which has many positive effects on the body, can lead to such significant weight loss when traditional diets are considered harmful to the body.
Actually, fasting for weight loss is not simply a weight-loss method but more of a treatment aimed at correcting the metabolic abnormalities caused by obesity.
Excessively obese individuals may experience metabolic abnormalities. Following these metabolic abnormalities, the body tends to gain more weight, forming a vicious cycle.
Through fasting therapy, the body enters a state of starvation. In this state, the cells’ autophagy capabilities are activated. Once these capabilities are activated, they work to eliminate and reuse some of the cellular debris that causes metabolic abnormalities, thereby restoring normal metabolism. This makes losing weight easier.
Moreover, during meals, specific measures are taken to replenish nutrients and enhance fat metabolism. Therefore, unlike dieting, which can lead to malnutrition and reduced metabolism, fasting ensures the body receives sufficient nutrition for high metabolism.
Though the fasting method is effective, it is essential to carry it out under the guidance of a professional, as fasting is not the same as starvation. Improper implementation can easily lead to malnutrition. Additionally, after fasting, it is crucial to control the diet to prevent overeating, which could result. in weight rebound.
