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By Favour Ogunlumade
A YouTube page, Wellness Wise Self, claims that fasting for 36 hours is good for the body because it helps to reduce body fat and recycle dead cells and toxins built up in the body. This AI-generated video claim has generated 419,000 likes and 5,828 comments as of June 8, 2025.
This video resonates with other YouTube users. For example, a user, @dessiebahiru, said that “Fasting is the best medication not only for the physical body but also emotional and spiritual wellbeing.”
Another user, @ruthmerino681, said, “I never imagined fasting would make me feel sooo good!”
This claim raises questions about whether fasting for 36 hours is good for the body or not. Should people have to fast for 36 hours to reduce body fat? Does this fasting period hurt the body?
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As this claim is capable of influencing people’s health choices, it is imperative that ROUNDCHECK investigate it.
ROUNDCHECK Findings
ROUNDCHECK discovered that intermittent and periodic fasting could offer major health benefits. In a recent study by a neuroscientist, Dr. Mark Mattson noted that studies of intermittent fasting, period fasting, and time-restricted feeding in normal and overweight subjects have demonstrated efficacy for weight loss and improvements in multiple health indicators, with benefits including improved insulin sensitivity and reduced cardiovascular risk.
He explained that the benefits come from changes at the cellular level.
“The mechanisms involve activation of adaptive stress response pathways that enhance mitochondrial health, DNA repair and autophagy,” he wrote. Period fasting may also promote stem cell regeneration and long-lasting metabolic effects.
However, Mattson warned that more clinical trials are needed. According to him, randomised controlled trials will be required to establish the efficacy of Intermittent Fasting in improving general health and managing major diseases of ageing.
Noting a gap in medical training, he said, “Most physicians are not trained to prescribe specific intermittent-fasting interventions,” he said. Mattson suggested gradually narrowing the eating window to 16 to 18 hours of fasting a day or using the 5:2 approach, starting with one low-calorie day per week and increasing over time.
Mattson advised that a dietitian or nutritionist should be consulted, adding that Physicians should also provide ongoing support and education, just as with any lifestyle changes.
Also, Tiffany A. Dong, a Cardiologist, in one of her articles on Intermittent fasting and dietary, states that Intermittent fasting induces a ketogenic state, as evidenced by the rise in β-hydroxybutyrate levels(β-Hydroxybutyrate is a ketone body produced by the liver when it breaks down fat for energy. Elevated levels of BHB can indicate a state of ketosis, which can occur during fasting, starvation, or a low-carb diet) in overweight individuals who fast.
After 6-8 hours of fasting, ketone levels become detectable, which signals a switch from fat storage to fat use with a decrease in low-density lipoproteins(LDLs, also known as “bad” cholesterol, is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells).
According to the report, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and an increase in high-density lipoproteins(HDLs, also known as “good” cholesterol, is a type of lipoprotein that carries excess cholesterol from the cells to the liver for excretion. High levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease) levels.
She also stated that “intermittent fasting appears to have the ability to lower blood pressure, which thus could improve mortality from cardiovascular disease.”
The report highlighted that intermittent fasting does appear to be more beneficial when food intake occurs during times of activity as compared to more dormant times, as measured by hepatic production of circadian genes such as molecular period protein (mPER)and molecular Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput( mCLOCK).
Nutritionists Reacts
A Lagos-based certified nutritionist, Desewa Ottu, stated that some of the information contained in the video can be misleading if proper care is not taken.
She said that fasting for 36 hours can cause various physiological responses in the body. “Some people may experience benefits from it, but it is essential to understand the potential risk,” she said.
She explained that extended fasting can lead to a calorie deficit, which leads to prompting the body to utilise fat stored for energy. This metabolic shift may aid weight loss over time.
“Fasting may stimulate autophagy which is a cellular process that removes damaged components, potentially reducing the risk of certain diseases. Also, intermittent fasting can enhance insulin sensitivity, which may help in blood sugar regulation”.
Desewa emphasised that“there are some potential risks that must also be considered when fasting for an extended period, as prolonged fasting can lead to low blood sugar levels resulting in symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and irritability.
While raising concerns around extended fasting without proper nutritional planning, she said that this may result in deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals.
“It is not suitable for everyone. Someone with health conditions like diabetes, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should not do prolonged fasting without medical supervision,” she said
“While a 36-hour fast may give one some health benefits, it’s not suitable for all, and it carries potential risks. It’s important to approach this fasting with caution, while ensuring proper hydration and nutritional planning.”
Conclusion
While the claim includes partially accurate information as discussed by experts, it oversimplifies complex health processes and ignores critical safety considerations.
Fasting for a long period has its benefits, and also its side effects. Based on findings and experts’ opinions, it is advisable to take caution when embarking on intermittent fasting, most especially when it involves long hours.
This report was done under the ROUNDCHECK Volunteer Network project 2025.
