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What happens when you water-fast for 72 hours or more, fat loss happens

Intermittent fasting is a popular eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting, focusing more on when you eat rather than what you eat. Unlike traditional diets that restrict calories or specific food groups, intermittent fasting emphasizes timing—commonly following methods like the 16:8 (16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating) or 5:2 (eating normally for 5 days, restricting calories for 2).

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Backed by both scientific research and real-world success stories, it has been linked to benefits such as weight loss, improved blood sugar control, better metabolic health, and even enhanced mental clarity. Simple, flexible, and adaptable to most lifestyles, intermittent fasting has become a go-to strategy for those looking to take control of their health without the complexity of strict dieting.

Here’s a breakdown of fat-burning and fasting effects in 6-hour intervals up to 96 hours:


0–6 Hours (Fed State)

Body uses glucose from recent meals for energy.

Insulin is high, fat burning is minimal.

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No real fat loss yet.


6–12 Hours (Post-Absorptive State)

Blood sugar and insulin start to drop.

Body starts using glycogen (stored glucose) from liver and muscles.

Fat burning begins to increase gradually.

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12–18 Hours

Glycogen stores continue depleting.

Fat breakdown (lipolysis) ramps up.

Ketone production may begin for some people.

Growth hormone starts rising (helps preserve muscle).


18–24 Hours

Fat becomes the primary fuel.

Ketones rise.

Autophagy (cell cleanup) begins at low levels.

Mental clarity may improve.

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24–30 Hours

Insulin is very low.

Ketosis strengthens.

Fat is the main energy source.

Autophagy increases.

Growth hormone surges further.


30–36 Hours

Deeper ketosis.

Increased fat and ketone usage by brain and muscles.

Autophagy continues.

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Hunger hormones may dip.


36–42 Hours

Enhanced cellular repair and fat burning.

Ketones are high.

Body protects muscle mass by using fat/ketones efficiently.


42–48 Hours

Fat oxidation at peak.

Autophagy is strong.

Anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating processes kick in.

Muscle mass is preserved (assuming you’re not protein-deficient).

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48–54 Hours

Deep fasting zone.

More fat loss.

Energy levels might feel stable due to ketones.

Some people report spiritual clarity or euphoria.


54–60 Hours

Ongoing fat burning, autophagy, and hormone optimization.

May start to feel fatigued or cold—listen to your body.


60–66 Hours

Fat burning continues, but muscle breakdown risk slowly rises.

Autophagy is still active.

Monitor hydration and electrolytes closely.


66–72 Hours

Plateau in fat loss rate may begin.

Ketones remain high.

Some muscle catabolism may start unless refeeding or protein is included.


72–96 Hours

Diminishing returns in fat loss.

Autophagy starts slowing.

Risk of muscle loss increases without proper supervision.

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