No food, just water for 9 days: Nargis Fakhri explains her fitness secret but doesn’t recommend it

After a break from the limelight, actress Nargis Fakhri has returned with the upcoming comedy film Housefull 5, featuring a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, and Sanjay Dutt. While her film choices have been selective, Nargis has consistently been in the public eye for her health and wellness practices. In a recent interview, she revealed the unconventional method she uses to maintain a sharp jawline and glowing skin—fasting on just water for nine days, twice a year.

Water-Only Fasting for 18 Days a Year

Speaking with Soha Ali Khan on Hauterrfly’s YouTube channel, Nargis shared details of her rigorous detox routine. She said she undergoes complete fasting—no food, just water—for nine days at a time, twice a year. While she admitted the results are visibly striking, with improved facial definition and skin clarity, she was clear that the method is extremely difficult and not something she would recommend to others.

The revelation visibly shocked Soha during the conversation. Nargis acknowledged that many people search for quick fixes when it comes to fitness, but she insisted there is no shortcut to health. She said her own results come from a balanced approach rather than just extreme measures.

No Shortcuts, Just Consistency

Nargis pointed out that her fitness isn't dependent on just one practice. “It’s always a combination,” she explained, referring to her regular habits like sleeping at least eight hours every night and staying hydrated. She also focuses on eating nutritious foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. The emphasis, she stressed, is on long-term wellness rather than crash diets or quick solutions.

Sleep, Hydration, and Meal Timing

Other Bollywood celebrities have also embraced holistic approaches to health. Kareena Kapoor Khan, for instance, recently shared her routine of having dinner by 6:30 p.m. and maintaining an early bedtime. Veteran actress Mumtaz spoke in a Radio Nasha interview about cutting off meals entirely by 5–6 p.m. following a recommendation by Akshay Kumar. She also sticks to clean eating, regular workouts, and strict personal care habits.

Mindful Living Over Fads

Although fasting plays a role in Nargis’s regimen, she made it clear that long-term discipline is what keeps her fit at 45. She focuses on quality sleep, hydration, and balanced meals. Her message aligns with what several celebrities now promote—a shift from fad diets to a more sustainable and realistic lifestyle.

Nargis Fakhri made her debut in Ranbir Kapoor starrer Rockstar and later did roles in Madras Cafe, Main Tera Hero, and Housefull 3.
While water fasting is sometimes promoted for its potential benefits, such as short-term weight loss and detoxification, it can also pose serious health complications. According to a report by Healthline, there are several risks associated with water-only fasting that individuals should be aware of before attempting it.

You Might Lose the Wrong Kind of Weight

Engaging in water fasting means eliminating all calorie intake, which inevitably leads to rapid weight reduction. However, this drop in weight doesn’t always equate to fat loss. In the early stages of such a fast, the body sheds water weight and uses up stored carbohydrates (glycogen), which also causes water to be released. Moreover, the body may also start to break down small amounts of lean muscle tissue, especially if the fast continues for longer periods. This type of weight loss can be counterproductive if the goal is long-term health or muscle preservation.

Surprisingly, You Could Become Dehydrated

It may seem ironic, but consuming only water and skipping food can still leave your body dehydrated. This is because a significant portion—between 20% to 30%—of your daily hydration typically comes from the moisture content in foods like fruits, vegetables, and cooked meals. So, even if you’re drinking water during your fast, you may not be meeting your body’s full hydration needs without the fluid that normally comes from solid foods. Signs that you're dehydrated may include light-headedness, constipation, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and a noticeable drop in your ability to concentrate or perform daily tasks. To reduce this risk, you might need to consume more water than usual while fasting.

Water Fasting May Lead to a Dangerous Drop in Blood Pressure

Another concern related to dehydration during a water-only fast is a condition known as orthostatic hypotension. This happens when your blood pressure suddenly drops as you stand up, causing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, or even temporary fainting. If you develop this issue during a fast, it could make activities like driving or using heavy equipment extremely unsafe, as sudden loss of balance or consciousness could lead to accidents. If you notice these symptoms while fasting, it may be a strong indication that water fasting isn't suitable for your body.

Certain Health Conditions Can Be Aggravated by Fasting

Despite being temporary, water fasting may worsen some pre-existing medical conditions. Individuals with particular health issues should be especially cautious and consult a medical professional before attempting a fast.

Gout: Fasting may raise levels of uric acid in the blood, which could trigger painful flare-ups in people prone to gout.

Eating Disorders: For those who have a history of disordered eating, fasting can potentially worsen unhealthy eating behaviors or lead to a relapse.