• White DL

• Fasting
• Obesity / diet therapy

A detailed review of current literature regarding the physiology, application and results of total fasting and protein-sparing modified fasting in the treatment of obesity was conducted. In the protein-sparing modified fasting technique, lean body mass is spared by daily intake of high-quality protein in the amount of 1.5 grams per kilogram of ideal body weight. Serious side effects are rare in fasts of forty days or less. Total fasts utilizing non-caloric liquids only are safe for periods up to fifteen days. Several periods of intermittent total fasts seem to be safe and effective. The positive and negative aspects of reactions must be taken into consideration by each clinician in each case, keeping in mind that not every obese patient is a proper candidate for this strenuous type of regimen. The weight of scientific evidence points to fasting as an effective and safe weight loss procedure in properly selected, properly monitored, and properly motivated obese individuals.

Author keywords: total fasting, protein-sparing modified fasting, obesity

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