Is fasting good for you?

Several medical experts agree that fasting is not healthy since it slows down the body's metabolic rate and can make existing health problems worse, according to WebMD. Any weight a person loses while fasting is more than likely gained back once he stops fasting.

While fasting, an individual mainly loses fluids rather than any significant amount of weight. Since fasting slows the body's metabolic rate, the individual's regular diet before his fast is likely to be more fattening than normal, says WebMD. Those who are healthy may not experience many negative effects from fasting if they only fast for a day or two. However, a person who has kidney, liver or immune system problems could be putting himself in danger by fasting.