Fasting(禁食) for weight loss is considered by many people as a way to lose weight quickly and easily. It is because that people even don’t have to take any exercise. The truth is that fasting for weight loss is not safe for the body. In addition, the weight that is lost during a fasting period is often water weight which may be gained right back as soon as one returns to a normal diet. Supporters believe that it cleans the body, makes the weight lost quickly, increases energy, and improves the appearance of skin.
There are a number of different programs advertising fasting for weight loss; juice fasts are common, but there are a number of others that use ingredients such as honey, lemon or pepper, as the only source of nutrients(营养物) for a day or more. Typically, true fasts where one is having nothing but liquids do not last more than three days. But fasts where participants may eat a small meal a day consisting of vegetables, fruits, or whole grains may last longer. However, many people attempt to use fasting for weight loss although there are some possible dangers.
First, fasting for weight loss causes an upset stomach and diarrhea(腹泻). If left untreated, this can lead to dehydration(脱水), which has the possibility of causing death. It is important not to exercise when fasting, because the body does not have the energy to increase the heart rate to a higher level, which proves the belief that fasting increases energy is wrong. Blood sugar often drops when fasting as well.
A fast that lasts for a long time can lead to a lack of vitamin. Fasting for weight loss is likely to cause rapid weight loss, but again, this weight is not lost in a healthy manner, and will generally just be gained right back after normal food is eaten again. If one is considering a fast program, it is better to first check with a healthcare professional to be sure it is relatively safe. Young people, the elderly and anyone with a health problem should avoid this method for its possible risks.
【解题导语】 很多人选择使用禁食的方法以达到减肥的目的，这种方法虽然可以快速减肥，但是，专家认为其危害也是很大的。
1．Which is NOT the belief of those who support the fasting for weight loss?
A．That they can lose weight more quickly.
B．That they can become more energetic.
C．That it is safer than the other ways.
D．That it makes their bodies cleaner.
C 解析：细节理解题。从第一段的最后一句可知，支持通过禁食减肥的人认为，这种方法可以让他们更加有效的达到减肥的目的，可以让他们更加精力充沛，还可以净化身体器官。文中没有提到他们认为这种方法是更安全的。
2．According to the passage, true fasts for weight loss mean losing weight by________．
A．eating a small meal a day
B．having only liquids
C．taking no exercise
D．taking more nutrients
B 解析：细节理解题。根据第二段中的true fasts where one is having nothing but liquids do not last more than three days可知，真正通过fasting(禁食)减肥的方法是只喝液体不吃其他食物。
3．One should avoid exercising when fasting because________．
A．fasting causes an upset stomach
B．fasting makes the body short of energy
C．exercising leads to high heart rate
D．exercising causes low blood sugar
B 解析：推理判断题。从第三段可知，禁食减肥应该避开运动锻炼，原因是运动锻炼会提高人的心率，而禁食减肥的人的身体里没有足够能量来保证实现这个目标，也就是说，禁食减肥并不能提高身体的能量，相反会导致身体能量的不足。
4．What opinion does the writer hold in the passage?
A．Fasting is suitable for the middleaged people.
B．Exercising is a better way to lose weight.
C．Diet control for weight loss is safer.
D．Fasting only has shortterm effect.
D 解析：推理判断题。从第一段中的which may be gained right back as soon as one returns to a normal diet和第二段中的or whole grains may last longer以及第四段中的will generally just be gained right back after normal food is eaten again可知，作者认为通过禁食减肥的方法只能在短时间内有效。
