Fasting on water means to eat neither solid nor liquid food and to use only water as long as the fast goes on. Many people suffering from compulsive eating have tried to solve their obesity problems by fasting. During the fast itself they feel calm without food, but there is considerable risk that the fast will have aggravated the compulsive eating problem when they start eating again. A better method of getting free from compulsive eating is by learning to eat regularly and moderately, and to face up to problems instead of escaping from them by means of food. More about good eating habits.

Some people have cured illnesses by means of fasting and changing the way they eat, but when it concerns eating disorders there is a risk that they can get worse. That is why fasting is not usually recommended.