Acute Fast Does Not Induce Compensatory Energy and Nutrient Intake A DGReview of :"Effect of an acute fast on energy compensation and feeding behaviour in lean men and women." 01/02/2003 By James Adams A 36-hour fast does not induce a significant compensatory response in energy and nutrient intake on the subsequent day. Previous studies have shown that severe restriction of dietary energy consumption resulting in 5 to 30 percent weight loss often leads to hyperphagia and weight regain in lean subjects, according to investigators, from the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen, United Kingdom. To determine the effect of 26 hours of fasting on compensatory behaviour, they studied 24 healthy, lean men and women, who underwent a 36-hour fasting period and a 36-hour maintenance period. On the day before the fast subjects consumed a diet designed to avoid overeating, then for 36 hours they consumed only non-energy drinks. Following the fast, subjects were allowed to eat what they wanted from a variety of familiar foods. The maintenance treatment was identical to the fasting protocol, except that subjects received a defined maintenance diet during the 36-hour period. Results showed that average energy intake was 12.2 MJ/day on the day following the 36-hour fast (p=0.049). Average energy intake was 10.2 MJ/day on the day following the maintenance protocol. Feeding behaviour was altered only at breakfast following the fast, when subjects selected a higher-fat meal compared with their breakfast selection after the maintenance protocol (p<0.005). Motivation to eat was higher during the fast, but returned to baseline levels following the post-fast breakfast (p<0.05). The investigators conclude that a 36-hour fast does not induce a powerful, unconditional stimulus to compensate on the subsequent day. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002; 26(12): 1623-1628. Thanks to Docguide.com Proceedings of the National Acad of Sciences, 4/03 LINK to site with so much information in so many languages Obes Rev, 2/06 Los Angeles Times, 12/07 March 2008 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences LINK to "a very small, but happy group of people who are dedicated to fasting & also to discussing the benefits of fasting & related subjects". Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.