title: Modified fasting in treatment of obesity. Effects on serum lipids, electrolytes, liver enzymes, and blood pressure.
abstract: We studied 71 patients who followed a supplemental fasting regimen (Optifast) for up to six weeks. Serum triglyceride levels were lowered significantly. The mean serum cholesterol concentration fell to less than 200 mg/dl after four weeks on the diet, and the high-density lipoprotein/cholesterol ratio increased. Serum glucose and uric acid concentrations, which changed initially, returned to baseline after the third week. Minimal elevation of SGPT concentration was the only change revealed by liver function tests. In general, the patients were hypertensive, and their blood pressure levels were significantly lower after fasting. Our data suggest that supplemental fasting deserves further study as a method of weight loss in obese persons. A majority of the problems that can accompany total starvation and surgical approaches are avoided. Combined with behavior modification techniques and medical supervision, supplemental fasting is an effective initial approach to managing obese patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D004573:Electrolytes; D005215:Fasting; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D004573:Electrolytes; D008055:Lipids