Effect of modified fasting therapy on body weight, fat and muscle mass, and blood chemistry in patients with obesity

OBJECTIVE： The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and safety of modified fasting therapy using fermented medicinal herbs and exercise on body weight, fat and muscle mass, and blood chemistry in obese subjects. METHODS： Twenty-six patients participated in a 14-day fast, during which they ingested a supplement made from fermented medicinal herbs and carbohydrates （intake： 400-600 kcal/d）. The schedule included 7 prefasting relief days and 14 days of stepwise reintroduction of food. The patients also took part in an exercise program that incorporated Qigong, weight training, and walking exercises. The efficacy of treatments was observed by assessing body fat mass and muscle mass, and alanine aminotransferase （ALT）, aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, cholesterol, and triglycerides in each study period. Specific symptoms or side effects were reported. RESULTS： Body weight and body fat mass both decreased significantly by （5.16 ± 0.95） and （3.89 ±0.79） kg （both P 〈 0.05）, while muscle mass decreased by an average of （0.26 ＋ 0.22） kg, without statistical significance. ALT levels were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.05）, while AST levels decreased without statistical significance （P = 0.052）. The levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were also significantly decreased （both P 〈 0.05）. There were few adverse events except for mild dizziness, which did not affect everyday living. CONCLUSION： These results suggest that modified fasting therapy using fermented medicinal herbs and exercise could be effective and safe on obese patients.