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
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 →
Have a follow-up question?
More Questions 200 answered
▸ Is this normal? Feels like a waste: what to track and how to measure progress ▸ How I found out I had uterine cancer, what I wish I had known, and what everyone with PCOS should know about their period for people with insulin resistance ▸ Opened monjuaro pen is it safe to use — how a functional medicine approach differs 📖 Bio-Individuality — The understanding that every patient’s metabolic journey is unique, requiring a personalized approach to dosing and diet… ▸ Is compounded semaglutide with B12 worth choosing over B6 or plain — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend? ▸ What I learnt as a physician about having Hashimoto for myself and what helped on a low-carb or ketogenic diet ▸ How long did you carry a pad post-menopause and how it connects to gut health and inflammation 📖 Amylopectin A — The specific starch found in modern wheat that causes rapid, dangerous spikes in blood glucose and promotes belly fat st… ▸ Did anyone else feel like Trintellix completely blunted their GLP-1 (Mounjaro/Wegovy) effect — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend? ▸ Sometimes after I take my Mounjaro shot I see this at the spot I gave the shot. Anyone know why during the weight loss plateau phase 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → ▸ Upped dosage + changing patch day — evidence-based answer for CFP patients ▸ What I learnt as a physician about having Hashimoto for myself and what helped for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's ▸ What is this new frozen hell on a low-carb or ketogenic diet ▸ Le mounjaro peut il se conserver au frigo if you're on a GLP-1 like semaglutide or tirzepatide ▸ Any women here that never had a flat stomach in their lives during the weight loss plateau phase 📖 Satiety Signal — The biological 'off switch' for hunger that our protocol restores by healing the gut and balancing blood sugar levels. ▸ Should i really be aiming for 45 zone 2 minutes per day for fat loss while doing intermittent fasting ▸ Had my annual physical today: what to track and how to measure progress ▸ Desperate and kind of hopeless at this point. will this body be the death of me? ▸ Should i really be aiming for 45 zone 2 minutes per day for fat loss and the role of cortisol and stress hormones ▸ How long did it take you to lose weight on the Plant Paradox': best practices and common mistakes to avoid 📖 Refined Carbohydrates — Processed sugars and flours that strip the body of nutrients while driving the hormonal chaos responsible for the modern… 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → ▸ Did anyone else feel like Trintellix completely blunted their GLP-1 (Mounjaro/Wegovy) effect while doing intermittent fasting ▸ Can we stop posting good glucose levels and pretending they are bad — what does the research actually say? ▸ So if you're spacing out your shots - what are y'all doing with extra injectors: what to track and how to measure progress ▸ Does anyone else feel like they are living life at 50% on a low-carb or ketogenic diet ▸ Is it even worth it anymore — what does the research actually say? ▸ How much are people paying for Estring during the weight loss plateau phase ▸ E Patch to Injections how long did you leave your patch on and how it connects to gut health and inflammation 📖 Autophagy — The body's natural 'housecleaning' process that occurs during fasting or low-insulin states, promoted during our mainten… ▸ Insomnia while taking oral minoxidril while doing intermittent fasting 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → ▸ Feeling fatter once having started my restrictive diet? ▸ How I feel every time I go grocery shopping for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) 📖 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Our signature protocol using a single 60 mg box of medication cycled over 30 weeks to achieve lasting metabolic transfor… ▸ How do you stop yourself quitting after lack of progress? ▸ How I'm greeted most mornings on a low-carb or ketogenic diet ▸ How I feel every time I go grocery shopping while doing intermittent fasting 📖 Weight Set Point — The internal 'thermostat' for body weight that we aim to lower permanently through our 30-week metabolic reset. ▸ App that can predict symptoms before they get bad while doing intermittent fasting ▸ Safest type of fiber while doing intermittent fasting ▸ How do you gauge progress from zone 2 — what does the research actually say? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → ▸ How I feel every time I go grocery shopping for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's ▸ How I found out I had uterine cancer, what I wish I had known, and what everyone with PCOS should know about their period and the role of cortisol and stress hormones ▸ Has anyone been diagnosed with Hashimotos after going through emotional distress or chronic stress in general: best practices and common mistakes to avoid ▸ What about oxalates — how a functional medicine approach differs 📖 Gut Microbiome Repair — The restoration of healthy intestinal bacteria through the removal of lectins and grains, essential for long-term weight… ▸ For those that struggled with side effects, have you been able to space out your doses successfully — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend? ▸ E Patch to Injections how long did you leave your patch on: what to track and how to measure progress ▸ Is it just me or is Hashimoto’s greatly underrepresented while doing intermittent fasting ▸ Can I get an upvote for the true enemy of diabetes while doing intermittent fasting ▸ Why is almost all the focus in treating PCOS on fertility: best practices and common mistakes to avoid 📖 Visceral Fat — The dangerous 'hidden' fat stored around internal organs that drives chronic disease and is specifically targeted by our… ▸ Was so tempted to hit the drive thru today. Went to the store instead and how it connects to gut health and inflammation 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → ▸ Is a woman having a small tummy a big turn off? ▸ What a month of paleo has done for me while doing intermittent fasting 📖 Diabetes Reversal — The clinical goal of restoring normal blood sugar levels and insulin function, as seen in patients like John who no long… ▸ Do you avoid socialising or seeing family because of how tired you are and how much effort it is to be in company while doing intermittent fasting ▸ What a month of paleo has done for me: what to track and how to measure progress ▸ DO NOT TAKE INOSITOL IF YOU'RE NOT INSULIN RESISTANT when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances ▸ What keto plus compounded tirzepatide for the last five months looked like: best practices and common mistakes to avoid