Fasting like Rishi Sunak can have multiple health benefits, scientists have confirmed — but only if you do it for at least three days straight.
New findings reveal that prolonged fasting sheds unhealthy fat — with the weight staying off — and gives multiple organs, including the brain, a ‘significant’ boost.
But researchers at Queen Mary University in London found the benefits only kick in after at least 72 hours without food.
It means the PM — who only drinks water, tea or black coffee from 5pm Sunday to 5am Tuesday, may not be benefitting from his weekly 36-hour fast.
Researchers at Queen Mary University in London found the benefits only kick in after at least 72 hours without food. It means the PM — who only drinks water, tea or black coffee from 5pm Sunday to 5am Tuesday, may not be benefitting from his weekly 36-hour fast
Many celebrities have also touted the benefits of intermittent fasting, including Hugh Jackman (pictured in February 2023). The study found that protein levels in several organs change after about three days of fasting, indicating that the whole body is responding to the fast
Many celebrities have also touted the benefits of intermittent fasting, including Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Mark Wahlberg, Chris Hemsworth and Kourtney Kardashian.
Professor Claudia Langenberg said: ‘Fasting, when done safely, is an effective weight loss intervention. Popular diets that incorporate fasting claim to have health benefits beyond weight loss.
‘Our results provide evidence for the health benefits of fasting beyond weight loss, but these were only visible after three days of total caloric restriction — later than we previously thought.
‘For the first time, we’re able to see what’s happening on a molecular level across the body when we fast.’
The study found that protein levels in several organs change after about three days of fasting, indicating that the whole body is responding to the fast.
These proteins, including ones that make up the supportive structure for neurons in the brain, help organs operate more effectively.
These proteins, including ones that make up the supportive structure for neurons in the brain, help organs operate more effectively. Pictured, Kourtney Kardashian in 2019. The oldest Kardashian sibling has previously touted the benefits of intermittent fasting
The study’s test subjects, who fasted for seven days straight, lost an average of 5.7kg. The weight stayed off even three days after fasting ended. Fasting is practised by millions of people throughout the world for different medical and cultural purposes, including health benefits and weight loss. The Prime Minister’s (pictured on Wednesday) mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, last year also revealed her family have long observed a fast every Thursday
The body also changes its source and type of energy, switching from glucose calories that come from food to its own fat stores.
The study’s test subjects, who fasted for seven days straight, lost an average of 5.7kg. The weight stayed off even three days after fasting ended.
Fasting is practised by millions of people throughout the world for different medical and cultural purposes, including health benefits and weight loss.
Historically, fasting was used to treat diseases such as epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers said the protein changes may explain why it had a positive effect on these and other conditions.
They hope their findings lead to new treatments for people who cannot undergo prolonged fasting.
Dr Maik Pietzner said: ‘While fasting may be beneficial for treating some conditions, often fasting won’t be an option to patients suffering from ill health. We hope these findings can be used to develop treatments that patients are able to use.’
WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain, according to the NHS
• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count
• Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally wholegrain
• 30 grams of fibre a day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread and large baked potato with the skin on
• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) choosing lower fat and lower sugar options
• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consuming in small amounts
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water a day
• Adults should have less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men a day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
