A doctor has revealed a fasting method that is said to help lose belly fat fast and tackle weight loss resistance.
Speaking on the latest episode of Diary Of A CEO podcast, nutrition and functional medicine expert Dr Mindy Pelz talked about the things people can do if they're struggling to budge stubborn belly fat.
Dr Pelz explained her method was one of the most intense forms of dieting - fasting for 36 hours before eating again for 12 hours. She said: "So the fat burner fast is probably my favourite for those people who want to lose weight."
Detailing the research behind the method, she added: "At 36 hours what happens is that's enough time where the blood sugars come down.
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"And all of a sudden the body goes 'okay, blood sugar isn't coming, we've been in this fasted state, we've trigger autophagy, we've brought inflammation down, we've made you ketones, we're trying to go find you food, but this extra weight is not serving you'."
She continued: "So it drops the weight and it's the most beautiful way to get a person to unstick any kind of weight loss resistance. But most importantly, you know the place where it dropped the most amount of weight from? Where does everyone want to lose weight?"
As podcast host Steven Barlett answered "the belly", Dr Mindy Pelz responded: "Yep, I should probably should have called it the 'belly fat burning'... So that's what [the research] showed, that actually a 36 hour fast started to unstick weight loss and it started with weight around the belly."
Going into more detail about the study behind the method in a separate video on her own YouTube channel, the health expert explained that after participants fasted for 36 hours followed by 12 hours of eating on and off for a 30 day period, the belly was the prime location where they lost weight.
She told viewers: "It's really up to you how often you do it. I've seen people in our academy do it once a week and really change the circumference of their waist." She also said she's seen people do it once a month and once a year, adding that it's up to you how aggressive with it you want to be.
However, she later stressed: "I'm always a fan of people being sensible about this, I know we have some over-achievers out there and you're going to want to fast 36-hours all the time, but I want to encourage you that once a week is probably good." She also said once a month is a suitable too, urging viewers to "always be safe."
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During this fasting period, Dr Mindy Pelz says zero calorie consumption is permitted, though subscribers of the diet can enjoy flavoured water, coffee, and tea. She claims the method may offer significant benefits including:
- Enhanced longevity
- Better heart health
- Increased fat burning
- More mindfulness
Although the 36 hour method is shown to be one of the most effective forms of fasting, it’s also one of the most intensive ones - so it’s definitely not for everybody and it's very important to stay safe. The nutrition guru says if you fit into any of the following groups, you’re best to opt for something less aggressive.
- People who have very active jobs
- People who are underweight or thin
- People with pre-existing thyroid disorders
- People who have (or have had) eating disorders
- Women who are pregnant, nursing, or hoping to become pregnant soon
Always seek the guidance of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.
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