Key Takeaway
Large observational study of medically supervised fasting (4-21 days) showed excellent safety profile and significant improvements in weight, blood pressure, lipids, and well-being.
Summary
This study from the Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic - Europe's leading therapeutic fasting center with over a century of experience - documented outcomes from 1,422 subjects who underwent medically supervised fasting lasting 4 to 21 days.
The fasting protocol involved 200-250 kcal/day from juice and vegetable broth, with medical monitoring throughout. Results showed significant improvements in weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, and subjective well-being, with minimal adverse events.
The large sample size and real-world clinical setting provide valuable safety and efficacy data for extended fasting under medical supervision.
Methods
- 1,422 subjects at Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic
- Fasting duration: 4-21 days
- Protocol: 200-250 kcal/day (juice, broth)
- Medical supervision throughout
- Measurements at admission and end of fast
- Follow-up for adverse events
Key Results
- Weight loss: 2-6 kg depending on duration
- Systolic BP: Reduced by 6 mmHg
- Diastolic BP: Reduced by 4 mmHg
- Total cholesterol: Reduced
- LDL cholesterol: Reduced
- Blood glucose: Normalized in elevated cases
- Well-being: 93.2% reported improved emotional/physical state
- Adverse events: <1% required medical intervention
- No serious adverse events
Figures
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Limitations
- Observational, no control group
- Medically supervised setting (not generalizable to unsupervised fasting)
- Self-selected population (motivated fasters)
- Immediate post-fast measurements (sustainability unknown)
- Buchinger method includes small caloric intake (not true water fast)