In a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, researchers explored the impact of fasting for 24 hours while drinking only water on their weight, human growth hormone (HGH) secretion, and other physiological parameters.

Their findings indicate that fasting increased the secretion of HGH by the pituitary gland independently of weight loss. However, while fasting-induced HGH changes were inversely correlated with some cardiometabolic risk factors, the study did not establish a direct reduction in these risks. As growth hormone deficiency can increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity and mortality, this study’s results have potential implications for lowering these risks.

Intermittent fasting, the practice of alternating between fasting and eating, has demonstrated several health benefits, of which weight loss is the most commonly studied. Other advantages include improving risk factors such as cholesterol levels, glucose concentrations, and blood pressure and reducing the chances of developing chronic metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.