Does fasting after 7pm help you lose weight?

Author: Timmothy Schiller  |  Last update: Thursday, December 18, 2025

When participants avoided eating between the hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., they reduced their daily calorie intake by an average of 238 calories. This helps to explain the weight loss of almost a half a pound a week.

Does not eating after 7pm help lose weight?

This is a common myth, but it is indeed a myth. Setting a specific time to stop eating by really doesn't make sense, as we all have different schedules. Our bodies do best if we eat often during the day (ideally every 2-4 hours).

Is it good to fast from 7pm to 7am?

Yes, it is generally okay to eat dinner at 6 PM and then fast from 7 PM until 7 AM. This would give you a 12-hour fasting window, which is a common practice in intermittent fasting. Many people find this approach beneficial for various reasons, including weight management, improved metabolic health, and digestive rest.

At what hour of fasting do you burn fat?

What is the most effective fasting time window? Fat burning typically begins after approximately 12 hours of fasting and escalates between 16 and 24 hours of fasting.

What is the best fasting time to lose weight?

According to some researchers, fasting for 12 to 14 hours can cause the body to turn its fat stores into energy, which releases ketones into the bloodstream. This should encourage weight loss. This type of intermittent fasting plan may be a suitable option for beginners.

Can stopping eating AFTER 6pm help you to LOSE WEIGHT?

How long should I fast to lose belly fat?

The 16/8 method is a good starting point, where you fast for 16 hours (including the time you're asleep) and then eat during an 8-hour window each day. To ease into it, begin with a shorter fasting period, like 12 hours, and gradually extend it as your body adjusts.

What fasting speeds up weight loss?

Research suggests that alternate-day fasting is about as effective as a typical low-calorie diet for weight loss. Fasting also affects metabolic processes in the body that may work to decrease inflammation, as well as improve blood sugar regulation and physical stress response.

Does sleep count as fasting?

FAQs. Does fasting still count when you're sleeping? Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food, so it doesn't matter what you're doing as long as you're not eating. You can still benefit from fasting even if the majority of your fasting period is while you're asleep.

When does hunger go away when fasting?

Some people fast for longer periods; several days or even weeks. Research has shown that such prolonged fasters may experience a significant change after 2-3 days of fasting: “Initially, they are hungry, but that will go away after 1-2 days, and then they may become almost euphoric.

What is the best food to eat after fasting?

After fasting, your body needs gentle food options to ease back into digestion. Focus on hydrating, easy-to-digest foods — think light veggie soups, simple smoothies, or bland foods like rice or toast. Avoid foods that are high in fiber, fat, sugar, or spice.

How many hours should I fast from 7pm to 11am?

It restricts eating to eight hours each day, followed by a fasting period over the next 16 hours. For example, you might eat between 11am and 7pm and then fast from 7pm to 11am the next morning, meaning you could time a lot of your fasting hours for when you're asleep.

Which meal to skip for intermittent fasting?

Eat a normal diet five days a week and fast two days per week. Eat normally but only within an eight-hour window each day. For example, skip breakfast, but eat lunch around 11 a.m. and dinner by 7 p.m.

Which meal is best to skip for weight loss?

Skipping lunch means skipping a main meal. Since usually the amount of calories that people receive in their main meals is considerable, skipping lunch can have a significant effect on reducing total calories intake compared to skipping snacks. Reducing the intake of calories in turn leads to weight loss.

How to lose belly fat?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

What is the best time to stop eating at night to lose weight?

Although the actual time doesn't really matter, many people who eat late at night choose high-calorie foods, which brings weight gain. Late meals and snacks can also make it harder for you to fall asleep. Aim to stay out of the kitchen from a couple of hours before bedtime until you wake up the next morning.

What stage of fasting burns the most fat?

To recap:
  • 0 to 4 hours: burning up all the food you just ate and storing any excess energy for later use.
  • 4 to 16 hours: you're starting to see the benefits of fat-burning and the start of autophagy.
  • 16 to 24 hours: you're in the fat-burning zone and autophagy ramps up.

What kills hunger fast?

Research suggests that low-calorie plant foods that are rich in soluble fiber -- like oranges and grapefruit -- help us feel fuller faster and keep blood sugars steady. This can translate into better appetite control. Of the 20 most popular fruits and vegetables, oranges and grapefruits are highest in fiber!

Can you exercise while fasting?

When you exercise in a fasted state your glycogen stores are already depleted. If your workout for the day involves heavy lifting, you can do so in a fasted state, but you should prioritize eating a meal directly following your workout.

How long should I fast to lose weight?

Fasting did seem to spur noticeable short-term weight loss, the researchers found. People who fasted for five days lost about 4% to 6% of their weight; those who fasted for seven to 10 days lost about 2% to 10%, and those who fasted for 15 to 20 days lost 7% to 10%.

Does drinking water break a fast?

Since water does not add calories to the diet, it's allowed during the fasting period. Want to make the most of your fasting practice? Get personalized advice on hydration, nutrition, and fasting protocols from a Season dietitian.

How can I drop 20 pounds fast?

Using these tips may help someone lose 20 lbs or reach their target weight.
  1. How to lose weight effectively and safely. ...
  2. Reducing calories. ...
  3. Refined carbohydrates and added sugars. ...
  4. Eating more protein. ...
  5. Including healthy fats. ...
  6. Eating more plant-based foods. ...
  7. Exercising. ...
  8. Getting adequate sleep.

Will fasting shrink belly fat?

Early fasting reduces amount of abdominal fat

The results demonstrate that time-restricted eating can be an effective strategy for reducing body weight, regardless of the timing of the eating window, offering flexibility for individuals to choose an approach that fits their lifestyle,” Ruiz said.

Can I lose noticeable weight in 2 weeks?

You should reduce your intake of processed, carb-heavy foods like cookies, chips and soda. Is is possible to lose between five to ten pounds in two weeks, although this weight loss will vary depending on each person's metabolism. Food intake should be carefully monitored and combined with regular physical activity.

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