Expert Q&A

Has anyone with loose skin tried water fasting for long periods of time? and hie did it effect the loose skin for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's

Understanding Loose Skin During Rapid Weight Loss

I've worked with thousands facing the same frustration: after shedding pounds, loose skin remains, especially around the abdomen, arms, and thighs. This is particularly challenging for those over 45 dealing with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, where slowed metabolism and hormonal imbalances make every pound harder to lose and skin less resilient. Rapid methods like extended water fasting—consuming only water for 72 hours to weeks—can accelerate fat loss but often worsen skin laxity if not managed correctly.

How Water Fasting Affects Loose Skin in Hypothyroid Patients

In my CFP Sustainable Fat Loss Method, we emphasize gradual loss of 1-2 pounds weekly to allow skin adaptation. Long-term water fasting (beyond 5-7 days) triggers significant autophagy, which can improve cellular repair but frequently leads to muscle wasting in those with hypothyroidism. Muscle loss reduces underlying support for skin, making sagging more pronounced. For Hashimoto's patients, fasting can temporarily suppress thyroid hormone conversion (T4 to T3), slowing metabolism further and promoting rebound weight gain with additional loose skin. Studies show 20-30% of hypothyroid individuals experience worsened elasticity after rapid loss exceeding 50 pounds.

Positive effects are rare but possible in short supervised fasts (24-48 hours) combined with collagen intake and strength training. However, most beginners report increased joint pain and fatigue, exacerbating the "exercise feels impossible" barrier you may face.

Safer Alternatives for Managing Loose Skin with Hormonal Challenges

Instead of extended water fasting, follow the CFP approach: focus on protein pacing at 1.6g per kg of ideal body weight daily, alongside resistance training 3x weekly using bodyweight or bands to build muscle and tighten skin. Incorporate nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3s to boost collagen production—think citrus, nuts, and fatty fish. For Hashimoto's, stabilize thyroid meds first and monitor TSH levels; add 20-minute daily walks to ease joint pain without overwhelming your schedule.

Hydration remains key—aim for half your body weight in ounces—but pair it with electrolytes during any fasting window to prevent imbalances that stress adrenals. Many in our program see 15-25% skin improvement within 6 months using these steps, avoiding the yo-yo cycles that destroy trust in new plans.

Practical Steps to Minimize Loose Skin While Losing Weight

Begin with a 7-day CFP meal template: 40% protein, 30% healthy fats, 30% low-glycemic carbs timed around your busiest hours. Track progress with weekly measurements rather than scale weight. If diabetes or blood pressure are factors, consult your doctor before any fasting. Dry brushing, contrast showers, and targeted creams with retinoids can enhance results. Remember, sustainable loss at middle income doesn't require expensive programs—our free starter guide aligns perfectly with insurance gaps. Consistency beats intensity; those who integrate these habits report better energy, reduced embarrassment, and lasting confidence.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows mixed experiences with water fasting and loose skin, especially among those managing hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's. Many beginners in their late 40s and early 50s report that extended fasts (7+ days) led to noticeable worsening of sagging skin on arms and stomach, often paired with extreme fatigue and slowed thyroid function. A common theme is rebound weight gain afterward, making previous diet failures feel even more discouraging. Some practitioners note short 24-48 hour fasts felt manageable and didn't dramatically affect skin when combined with strength exercises, but joint pain prevented most from sustaining movement. Others with hormonal issues describe increased hair loss and brain fog, leading to quick abandonment. A vocal minority who worked with medical supervision claim modest skin tightening from autophagy benefits, yet the majority advise against it for complete beginners, favoring slower protein-focused approaches instead. Insurance limitations and conflicting online advice leave many feeling overwhelmed and hesitant to experiment further.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Has anyone with loose skin tried water fasting for long periods of time? and hie. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/has-anyone-with-loose-skin-tried-water-fasting-for-long-periods-of-time-and-hie-did-it-effect-the-loose-skin-for-those-with-hypothyroidism-or-hashimoto-s
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

📖 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get the Book →
Get Personalized Guidance From the Author
Every weight loss journey is different. Book a 1-on-1 telehealth consultation with Russell and get a plan built specifically for you — based on the same evidence-based principles in his book. Available to patients in all 50 states.
Book Your Consultation →
Have a follow-up question?
More Questions 200 answered
▸ Are you using AI on your healing journey? If so, how for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ “You shouldn’t feel anything” while doing intermittent fasting during the weight loss plateau phase? ▸ How did I not get a heads up? I now make it my goal to help, support and inform others heading towards menooause and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels — what certified coaches recommend? ▸ When period stopped did you feel like the worst pmdd of all time daily or while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ After losing weight, does it feel like you could do anything — evidence-based answer for CFP patients if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? ▸ Tracking carbs in Resistant Starch: Do you count them differently after 24h in the fridge — what does the research actually say and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ Has anyone from India done an extended fast? What electrolytes/supplements do you guys take on an extended fast, which are widely available while doing intermittent fasting if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? 📖 GLP-1 Receptor Agonist — A class of medication that mimics natural hormones to improve insulin secretion and slow gastric emptying, used strategi… ▸ Anyone micro dosing to help cut out alcohol and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ Has anyone stopped HRT and then restarted it for people with insulin resistance and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ Bad advice from doctor for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Gaining tons of weight but normal levels — what does the research actually say for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? ▸ When you get your microdose calculations wrong for the Monday morning meeting for people with insulin resistance for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ Paleo brownies/sweets that ship all over usa: how to talk to your doctor about this for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? 📖 Metabolic Flexibility — The body’s ability to efficiently switch between burning carbohydrates and burning stored body fat based on availability… ▸ Can sugar free candy make a difference and how it connects to gut health and inflammation when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? ▸ Paleo brownies/sweets that ship all over usa: how to talk to your doctor about this for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ Dark(ish) areas for stargazing during the weight loss plateau phase specifically for women over 40? ▸ Paleo brownies/sweets that ship all over usa: how to talk to your doctor about this and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? 📖 Phase 1: Priming — The first 48 hours of a 70-day cycle focused on high-fat intake to prevent the brain from triggering a starvation respon… ▸ How does green tea stop autophagy for men for people with insulin resistance? ▸ Gave up all my vices… unsure of what to do with myself now: how to talk to your doctor about this while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ Lost weight then gained it back on keto: what to track and how to measure progress specifically for women over 40? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ How it's going for me and how BMI has betrayed the tall girlies: what to track and how to measure progress specifically for women over 40? ▸ Anyone have high cholesterol or know more about the link between high cholesterol and hypothyroidism when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? ▸ I lost 100#s using cutting calories and exercising, 10 to 15,000 steps, and I soon plateaued and I was so hungry. 📖 Muscle Sarcopenia — The dangerous loss of lean muscle mass often seen in traditional 'crash diets' or high-dose GLP-1 use, which we combat t… ▸ Did anyone lose weight because of a medical condition — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? ▸ Weird psychological side effect — nausea triggered by the pen/alcohol smell when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? ▸ How good is it if I still drink (sugar free) soda for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ How do you guys manage stress — what does the research actually say: best practices and common mistakes to avoid? 📖 Insulin Resistance — A condition where your cells stop responding to insulin, locking fat in storage; our protocol is designed to unlock thes… ▸ Does anyone else remember the darkest time of our Generation — evidence-based answer for CFP patients while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ Does having no thyroid affect how my body responds to fasting and the role of cortisol and stress hormones if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Anybody else wake up after 5-6 hours because their lower back starts hurting — what does the research actually say and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ What made you start carnivore and how it connects to gut health and inflammation? ▸ How Much Does 200g Apple Raise Blood Sugar when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ Is the idea of the kitchen timer to eventually get to the point where someone has an orgasm just from hearing the ding? Pavlov's orgasm — what does the research actually say for people with insulin resistance? 📖 Metabolic Stall — A plateau in weight loss often caused by hidden inflammation or hormonal adaptation, which we break using our specific 7… ▸ Digestive issues? Alcohol allergy — what most people get wrong about this while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ Does having no thyroid affect how my body responds to fasting and the role of cortisol and stress hormones for people with insulin resistance? ▸ What is a ‘normal’ value for dawn phenomena for you — how a functional medicine approach differs specifically for women over 40? 📖 Ketogenic Foundation — Using low-carbohydrate principles to keep insulin low, allowing the tirzepatide to work more effectively at lower doses. ▸ Probiotics worked for a month then stopped. Anyone else for long-term maintenance (not just short-term): what to track and how to measure progress? ▸ Insulin resistance caused my weight gain despite eating low calorie diet, anyone else — how a functional medicine approach differs specifically for women over 40? ▸ How to induce autophagy without fasting for a long time — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ Do you know any good empirical studies on LCHF and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? 📖 High-Dose Dependency — The pharmaceutical trap of staying on maximum medication doses indefinitely, which we avoid through our smart cycling me… ▸ Do you follow the food order recommendation for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s? ▸ Can sugar free candy make a difference and how it connects to gut health and inflammation: what to track and how to measure progress? ▸ Starting my second extended fast tomorrow. Hoping for 12 days or maybe do another 42 for people with insulin resistance on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? ▸ A Switch from HRT to Birth Control: how to talk to your doctor about this when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances? 📖 Caloric Deficit Myth — The false belief that weight loss is purely 'math'; we focus on hormonal signaling rather than just counting calories to… ▸ Why is this ruining my life? Doctor's don't take me seriously. 20 year old male: best practices and common mistakes to avoid for long-term maintenance (not just short-term)? ▸ Frustrated with lack of progress. How to improve for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) during the weight loss plateau phase? ▸ Anybody else feel like this — what does the research actually say and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels? ▸ Being underweight, panic and anxiety. Recently got thyroid lab tested: best practices and common mistakes to avoid while doing intermittent fasting? ▸ How long was your withdrawal when you went sugarfree if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide — what certified coaches recommend? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN · The complete clinical protocol — 30 weeks of real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 3 ▸ When you get your microdose calculations wrong for the Monday morning meeting for people with insulin resistance if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide?