Water fasting is a method of healing the body and losing weight that has been around for centuries. There are many people who have tried water fasting and recommend it as a good way to lose excess weight as well as giving the body a thorough detox. But is water fasting weight loss safe?

The premise of water fasting is pretty simple. The individual simply refrains from drinking anything other than water and consumes absolutely no food whatsoever. This back-to-basics approach means that only pure, clean, fresh water should be used when attempting a water fasting weight loss programme. Some experts claim that water fasting for even just a few days at a time gives the body a chance to rid itself of pollutants and toxins, healing the various systems found in the body.

The weight loss occurs on a water fast because the body has to use stores of fat and amino acid from your muscle tissue to sustain itself. There is no other source of glucose, which is the body’s primary source of fuel, entering the body by way of food stuffs. Once the reserves of glucose from the food prior to the fast have been used up, the body then uses the stores from the muscles to keep the body working. It is generally the case that the longer you do a water fast, the quicker the muscle tissue is decreased, therefore leading to weight loss.  

Water fasting weight loss is something that is not to be taken lightly. Unlike food fasts that can be easily sustained for a number of days without any serious side effects, water fasting is a completely different matter. It takes a lot of information, determination and perseverance to do a water fast. This is why so many people find it hard to do this type of fast for any given length of time.




The human body is made up of at least 75% water and requires water to keep it hydrated. It is the case that if the human body loses between 3% and 5% of its water, the individual can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalised for treatment. This is one of the potential risks and side effects of choosing to do a water fast weight loss. It is important to realise what side effects could occur to indicate that you are on your way to dehydration.




The symptoms to look out for include headaches, dizziness, fainting, lack of energy or feeling weak, incredible thirst, increase in heart beat and increase in rate of breathing. If you have any of these symptoms then it is possible that you are suffering from dehydration. In this instance a water fast should be stopped and you should seek medical advice immediately.  




The benefits and risks of water fasting weight loss are hugely debated in the medical world and it really comes down to personal preference as to whether you wish to give it a try. It is worth noting that some experts say that water fasting on a regular basis can lead to health problems such as muscle breakdown, blood-sugar issues and vitamin deficiencies. Others say that there is nothing but benefit for the body and it has been proven to work over the centuries. In terms of whether water fasting weight loss is safe, it may be a safer method than some fad diets – that is if you can approach the fast correctly and sensibly as well as having the willpower to see it through to the end.