Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
A social media influencer recently revealed the harsh effects of a two-week water fasting diet on his body. Jimmy Donaldson, widely recognized as ‘Mr. Beast,’ boasts a substantial 404 million subscriber base on YouTube. He entertains his followers with increasingly complex challenges, such as spending 100 hours inside the Pyramids and enduring seven days trapped in a cave.
MrBeast’s Extreme Fasting Challenge
Several months ago, the 27-year-old MrBeast undertook a new undertaking, consuming only water for a duration of 14 days.
Before this challenge, the 6ft 5in internet personality and entrepreneur weighed approximately 220lbs (110kg), resulting in a BMI of around 26, which classifies as overweight.
LONZERUI2024 New Mens Smart Watch with a 420Mah Large Battery, 1.96-Inch Ultra HD Screen, Wireless Calling, Flashlight Feature,, Suitable for Android And Ios Outdoor Use
Price: $0.62
Mens Gothic Hoodie - Fashion Hoodies with Retro Lace Up Design, Casual Graphic Print, Streetwear Style for Winter Fall, Great Gift Idea
Price: $1.79
[Anti-Slip Basketball Shoes] Anti-Slip Durable Mens High-Top Basketball Shoes | Fashion Training Sneakers for Sports and Casual Wear
🎉 Exclusive deal [Price: $9.19]
In a recent YouTube video, which has garnered over 3 million views, he shared with comedian Theo Von how this strict regimen had a ‘depressing’ impact on his physique.
The Debate on Intermittent Fasting
Although numerous studies suggest intermittent fasting—gaining popularity in the early 2010s—can be effective, experts remain divided regarding its efficacy and potential long-term health consequences.
Some contend that individuals practicing fasting often consume larger quantities of food at once, preventing them from reducing their overall calorie intake, which is a proven method for weight management.
There are warnings suggesting it could elevate the potential for strokes, heart ailments, or premature mortality.
Jimmy Donaldson, known online as ‘Mr Beast’, has earned a 404 million strong YouTube following by taking on increasingly elaborate challenges, including spending 100 hours inside the Pyramids and seven days stranded in a cave
But months ago the now 27-year-old embarked on a new feat, drinking only water and not consuming a single food for 14 days
Risks of Prolonged Fasting
Scientists have also cautioned against fasting for weight loss beyond a single day due to its ‘short-lived’ results, suggesting it might activate ongoing health concerns such as digestive disorders.
Mr. Donaldson explained: ‘I went 14 days, just water, and I dropped 20-something pounds,’
‘After about five or six days, you feel utterly exhausted, completely lacking in energy.
‘I underwent a dexa scan before commencing my extended fast, and they measure fat and muscle; I lost roughly six pounds of muscle, which was rather disheartening. I did lose 13 lbs (5.9kg) of fat.’
‘Even once you resume eating, the muscle doesn’t automatically return.’
‘It was intense not eating; I continued filming and working throughout, which really affected me.’
He further noted: ‘Standing was difficult, as was walking, because you lacked energy.’
‘I never achieved that heightened mental clarity; I was consistently exhausted and simply too tired to experience any clarity.’
Jennifer Aniston , Chris Pratt and Kourtney Kardashian are among the Hollywood A-listers to have jumped on the trend since it shot to prominence in the early 2010s. But, despite swathes of studies suggesting it works, experts have remained divided over its effectiveness and the potential long term health impacts
During his two-week water fast experiment, Mr. Donaldson’s daily weigh-ins showed that he had lost almost 4lbs by the third day, recording a weight of 216.4lbs (98.2kg).
His weight had decreased to 210.1lbs (95.3kg) by day six and 206.2lbs (93.5kg) by day 10.
By day 12, when he weighed only 204.3lbs (92.7kg), he admitted: ‘I felt so nauseous that I couldn’t film for more than 20 minutes without needing to sit down for a rest.’
‘By day’s end, I felt as if I was about to faint.’
After filming a cooking segment with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey on day 14, he chose to end his fast and consume a breakfast sandwich prepared by the 58-year-old chef.
However, he immediately spat the sandwich out due to concerns about refeeding syndrome—a potentially fatal condition where a swift calorie increase results in an imbalance of fluids and salts, affecting heart function.
This necessitates constant medical oversight.
At the final check on day 14, Mr. Donaldson weighed just 202lbs (91.6kg), placing his BMI within the healthy range.
It comes as an illuminating video posted online last month garnered thousands of views for its alarming display of exactly what happens to the body —hour by hour— when fasting
He emphasized that he was under the care of a medical team during the two weeks, who routinely monitored his vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, to prevent ‘a heart attack or something worse.’
‘As I repeatedly stated in the video, do not attempt this without medical supervision,’ he cautioned.
‘Also, for more context, I have Crohn’s disease, and I wanted to give my digestive system a break from food to potentially reduce inflammation because Crohn’s is a miserable condition.’
‘I gained significant insights into how I can use fasting to alleviate my inflammation, and I am pleased that I undertook this challenge.’
Crohn’s Disease and Fasting
Approximately half a million people in Britain are affected by Crohn’s disease, which triggers intense pain, diarrhea, exhaustion, and extreme weight loss.
Roughly one-third of patients with the condition, characterized by inflammation of the gut lining, require surgical intervention.
Many patients require several months to recuperate from the invasive procedure, while some end up with a stoma—where the bowel is rerouted outside the body and connected to a bag.
A thought-provoking video posted online last month gained significant attention for its detailed look at the physiological effects of water fasting benefits within the body on an hourly basis.
The Hour-by-Hour Breakdown of Fasting
The four-minute simulation asserted that the body stops digesting food just four hours after intake, entering a catabolic phase where muscle and fat are utilized for energy.
By 12 hours, the body enters a ‘fasted state’ deficient in blood sugar. At this stage, the liver starts transforming stored fat into fatty acids called ketones for fuel.
However, ketones can pose a risk; high blood levels can result in ketoacidosis, where blood acidity rises dangerously. This state can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Research indicates that extended exposure to ketones can harm the heart, amplifying the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Fasting for up to 16 hours may stimulate autophagy—the process where cells disintegrate and eliminate faulty or unnecessary elements, such as old proteins.
However, studies have consistently cautioned that excessive or prolonged autophagy can result in cell death, potentially impacting organs negatively.