If you don't eat for two whole days, how many pounds will you lose?

The amount of weight you lose after not eating for two days depends on several factors, including your metabolism, body composition, activity level, and hydration status. Here’s a breakdown

Short-term weight loss:

1. Water weight: Most of the weight loss in the first couple of days of not eating will come from water. This happens because: Your body uses up stored glycogen (a form of carbohydrate stored in muscles and liver), and each gram of glycogen is stored with about 3 grams of water. Reduced salt intake during fasting can also cause a drop in water retention.
2. Fat loss: After about 12–24 hours of fasting, your body starts burning fat for energy, but this process is gradual.
3. Muscle loss: If your body lacks sufficient energy from glycogen or fat, it might break down some muscle tissue for fuel, though this usually happens in more prolonged fasting.

Estimated weight loss:

• Water weight loss: You might lose 2–5 pounds of water weight, depending on how much glycogen your body has stored and your hydration level.
• Fat loss: In two days, fat loss is minimal, typically around 0.5–1 pound, depending on your energy needs and deficit.
• Total loss: You may see a scale change of 2–6 pounds, but most of this will be temporary water weight.

Important Note: While short-term fasting is generally safe for healthy individuals, prolonged fasting without proper hydration and monitoring can be risky. Always prioritize your health and consult a professional before making extreme changes to your diet.