A man went five days without food and documented every stage of the experience

Extreme fasting experiments have been attracting growing attention online, with people undertaking lengthy routines to observe how their bodies respond.

Instagram content creator DCT EATS chose to document one such experiment in full, going without food entirely for five days whilst tracking everything from energy levels and cravings to sleep quality, physical exercise, and blood test results taken before and after the fast.

In a post shared on 4 June, he told his followers: "I stopped eating completely for five days and documented the entire experience."

Day 1: Baseline checks before the fast begins

Before the fast got under way, DCT EATS recorded his starting weight and underwent a full blood panel to serve as a reference point for later comparison. "I waited at 82.5 kilos, got a full blood test done this time," he shared. He also completed a light workout and noted that he slept for an unusually long period on the opening day.

Day 2: Headaches and lightheadedness set in

The physical effects of fasting began to emerge on the second day. "On day 2, the headaches began," he said, though he continued to walk and remain active despite the discomfort. Lightheadedness also became a factor, which he managed through electrolytes and keeping well hydrated.

Days 3 and 4: The body adapts

By the third and fourth days, the experience had shifted noticeably. "I worked out, got a massage, and the hunger vanished as my body was burning fat for energy," he said. The physical sensation of hunger had largely subsided as his body entered ketosis.

The greater challenge, he found, was not physical but psychological. "The hardest part was all the yummy food smells at home and at grandma's. Torture," he admitted. To manage these triggers, he kept himself occupied with workouts, errands, and other distractions.

Day 5: The fast comes to an end

On the fifth and final day, he completed the fast and broke it with a light meal. "So I made it to day five and broke my fast with this golden broth. So good," he said.

Unexpected results at the finish line

By the end of the five days, DCT EATS reported losing close to 5 kilograms. "My weight after 5 days of 0 food, I was 5 kilos down, but that wasn't the surprise," he said, suggesting that the results of his post-fast blood test held the more notable revelation.

Whilst fasting content of this nature continues to circulate widely online, medical professionals generally urge caution, noting that extended fasting carries serious health risks when undertaken without proper medical supervision.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified doctor regarding any medical condition. This report is based on user-generated content from social media.