Recent studies have shown that fasting two days a week helps overweight people keep off the weight — a prophetic sunnah encouraged over 1400 years ago.
A “real life setting” study published last week in the scientific journal PLOS ONE showed a 5:2 diet performed as well as a conventional weight-loss approach and was preferred by participants because it was easier to follow.
The 5:2 diet involves two days of heavily restricting calories (500 calories for women, 600 calories for men) and five days of sensible eating.
Another recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the diet can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes for new mothers.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fasted two days a week outside of Ramadan. Aishah, RadhiAllahu Anha, narrated: “The Prophet used to try to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.”
Not only does fasting provide health benefits but it also carries a significant reward.
