Nine Days Without Food: Why Nargis Fakhri’s Water Fast Is Not for Everyone

In the world of celebrity wellness trends, few revelations generate as much buzz—or concern—as when stars unveil their secret routines for looking and feeling their best. The latest headline-maker is Bollywood actor and model Nargis Fakhri, who recently disclosed that she went on a nine-day water-only fast—completely eliminating food and relying solely on water, in a quest for clearer skin, deeper mental clarity, and a bodily reset.

While such extreme fasting might sound alluring to fans looking to replicate the radiant glow of their favorite star, medical professionals and nutritionists are waving red flags. According to them, practices like these may do far more harm than good, especially when undertaken without medical supervision or proper understanding of the risks involved.

Let’s unpack what this kind of fasting entails, why it’s gaining popularity, what the science says—and the very real dangers hidden beneath the surface of this trend.

What Is a Water-Only Fast?

A water-only fast is exactly what it sounds like: abstaining from all forms of food, beverages, supplements, and nutrition except for water, often for extended periods. While short-term fasting (12 to 24 hours) has been practiced across cultures and religions for centuries, multi-day water fasting—like the nine days Nargis mentioned—goes beyond most traditional norms.

People attempt these fasts for various reasons: detoxification, weight loss, improved digestion, mental clarity, or even spiritual reasons. In Nargis Fakhri’s case, her focus was reportedly skin health and rejuvenation.

She claimed that after overcoming the initial few days of intense hunger, she felt more energetic, noticed better skin texture, and experienced a sense of lightness and mental calm. But beneath this anecdotal success lies a practice that, if mishandled, can lead to serious health consequences.

Why It’s Trending Among Celebrities

Extreme wellness routines have long been popular among celebrities. From juice cleanses and raw veganism to intermittent fasting and colonics, stars are often at the forefront of radical lifestyle experimentation.

Social media has amplified these trends, turning private practices into viral talking points. When celebrities like Nargis Fakhri share such regimes, they tend to be admired or even imitated without much scrutiny. Add in the visual impact—clearer skin, a slimmer frame, glowing energy—and the appeal multiplies.

The global rise in interest in detox diets and biohacking has also fueled the popularity of water fasting. Wellness influencers, YouTubers, and fitness bloggers often upload vlogs detailing their multi-day water fasts, encouraging followers to try them in the name of “resetting” the body.

But experts caution that celebrity endorsement doesn’t equate to safety or effectiveness.

What Health Experts Are Saying

Dr. Meera Sharma, a clinical nutritionist and metabolic health expert, says, “A water-only fast of nine days is extremely risky, especially for people who are not medically supervised. The body starts entering starvation mode after 72 hours. Beyond that, you are not detoxing—you are depleting.”

Here are some of the key concerns experts raise about prolonged water-only fasting:

1. Nutrient Deficiency

Without food, the body doesn’t get essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or fatty acids. Over time, this can lead to deficiencies that affect brain function, immunity, heart health, and hormone regulation.

2. Muscle Breakdown

After glycogen stores are depleted, the body turns to fat for energy—but also starts breaking down lean muscle. Long-term fasting may cause significant muscle loss, weakening the body even if weight is lost.

3. Electrolyte Imbalance

Without food, the balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium can become dangerously unstable. This can lead to dizziness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, or even seizures.

4. Weakened Immunity

Extended fasting can suppress immune responses, making the body more vulnerable to infections and slower to heal from minor injuries or illnesses.

5. Hormonal Disruption

Prolonged fasting can disrupt thyroid function, menstrual cycles in women, and reduce testosterone in men. This can have long-term effects on reproductive and overall health.

6. Mental Health Risks

While some claim mental clarity during fasting, others experience irritability, brain fog, and in extreme cases, depressive symptoms due to a lack of glucose in the brain.

What About the Skin Benefits?

It’s understandable why someone might try fasting for glowing skin. A cleaner diet—or abstaining from processed food—can improve skin health in many individuals. Hydration, especially drinking plenty of water, is also key to flushing out toxins and maintaining skin elasticity.

But experts stress that the benefits seen from fasting are often a result of removing harmful foods, rather than the fast itself. Eliminating sugar, alcohol, and refined carbs—without starving the body—can significantly improve the skin’s condition.

Dr. Priya Dutta, a dermatologist, explains: “When people fast, they often stop consuming junk, dairy, or allergens, which are common causes of acne and inflammation. That’s why they see an improvement. But you can get the same results by switching to a clean, balanced, anti-inflammatory diet instead of starving.”

Responsible Alternatives to Fasting

Rather than jumping into extreme diets, experts recommend balanced, sustainable approaches to nutrition and skin health:

• Intermittent fasting (14:10 or 16:8): This allows time-restricted eating while still providing essential nutrients.

• Hydration-focused diets: Incorporate water-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and herbal teas.

• Anti-inflammatory diets: Focus on leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and turmeric to improve skin and gut health.

• Elimination diets: Temporarily remove dairy, gluten, sugar, and processed food to identify triggers without depriving the body.

• Skin-supportive supplements: Omega-3s, zinc, collagen, and vitamins A, C, and E are proven to support skin regeneration.

The Psychological Impact of Celebrity Diet Culture

When celebrities reveal their diets, it’s often received uncritically, especially by young audiences. But this can normalize unhealthy behaviors and promote unrealistic beauty standards. Extreme fasting in particular can trigger or worsen disordered eating habits, especially in individuals vulnerable to body image issues.

Mental health professionals urge media consumers to think critically. What works for a celebrity—often surrounded by personal chefs, trainers, and doctors—may be dangerous for someone with a regular lifestyle and unique health needs.

 Don’t Try This at Home

While Nargis Fakhri’s commitment to her wellness is admirable, her nine-day water fast is not a model to emulate without expert guidance. Extreme fasting is not a shortcut to good skin or a healthier body. It’s a serious intervention that requires preparation, supervision, and most importantly—medical clearance.

Rather than chasing fads, individuals should aim for sustainable changes that nourish the body, not deprive it. Glowing skin and a fit body aren’t the result of starvation—they’re the product of holistic, healthy living.