Fasting is when you don't eat food for a certain period of time. You can fast for a few hours or you can fast for a few days or even longer. When you fast, your body uses up the energy it gets from the food you ate the last time you ate and starts using energy stored in your body (like fat). People fast for different reasons. Sometimes people fast to reset their bodies or to help them lose weight. Other times, people fast because it’s part of a religious ritual. No matter why you fasting, it’s important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before you start.