Starve the fat out of the body: US cardiologist reveals fasting secret to burn visceral fat. Pune-based doctor explains how to do it safely

Intermittent fasting has long fascinated fitness enthusiasts, but now a leading American cardiologist has reignited the debate with a clear prescription on how to lose dangerous visceral fat—the stubborn fat wrapped around internal organs that’s often linked to diabetes and heart disease.

In a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett, Dr. Pradip Jamnadas, a Florida-based interventional cardiologist, outlined a step-by-step fasting routine he recommends for patients seeking to shed visceral fat and reverse metabolic disorders.

From 12-12 to 18-6: The starting point
According to Dr. Jamnadas, who has practiced for over three decades and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Florida State University, fasting doesn’t have to begin with extreme measures.

“For someone simply looking to reduce visceral fat, I start with a 12-12 pattern,” he explained in the interview. “That means 12 hours of fasting with only non-caloric fluids and a 12-hour window for eating. After two to three weeks, we move to an 18-6 pattern—18 hours of fasting and a 6-hour eating window.”

Dr. Jamnadas, founder of Cardiovascular Interventions in Central Florida and repeatedly named among Orlando Magazine’s Top Doctors, said this method helps the body gradually adapt to longer fasting cycles, improving insulin sensitivity and aiding fat loss.



However, for patients struggling with obesity or diabetes, Dr. Jamnadas advocates a more intensive approach.

“If someone needs to lose around 60 pounds or reverse diabetes, I take them to a 48-hour fast once a week,” he noted. “Sometimes, every nine days, I recommend a three-day water fast following a one-meal-a-day pattern, known as OMAD.”

These extended fasts, he said, give the body time to detox, reduce insulin spikes, and use up stored fat reserves efficiently.



Caution: Fast smart, not hard
While the cardiologist’s method has drawn global attention, experts warn that long fasts can pose risks if done incorrectly. Pune-based diabetologist Dr. Pramod Tripathi, founder of Freedom From Diabetes (FFD), emphasized the need for medical supervision and mindful preparation.

In a video shared on Facebook, Dr. Tripathi cautioned, “Prolonged fasts can be mentally tough and medically unsafe. The key is to make the body easy on itself.”

He recommends staying hydrated with what he calls “FFD’s Shahi Pani”—a liter of water mixed with soaked chia seeds, saffron, salt, and lemon—to maintain electrolyte balance and reduce acidity. Light meals like steamed salads, soups, and smoothies without fruit can also help sustain energy through extended fasting hours.



Monitor, modify, and master
Dr. Tripathi further advised adjusting medications during fasting, particularly for those with diabetes or hypertension. “If you’re on insulin, doses must be reduced. Blood pressure medicines may also need modification,” he said, urging individuals to check blood sugar and blood pressure several times a day during the process.

For those on thyroid or heart medications, however, he stressed that these should be continued.

According to him, fasting is not merely physical—it’s psychological. “It’s easier when done in groups. Sharing experiences and motivating each other can make the journey smoother,” he added.

While both doctors highlight fasting as a powerful tool for better health, their combined advice points toward balance. Dr. Jamnadas’ structured fasting schedules show how metabolic resets can aid fat reduction, while Dr. Tripathi’s insights remind practitioners to stay safe, hydrated, and medically aware.

As the world rediscovers the ancient discipline of fasting through modern science, one message stands out clearly: the right fast, done the right way, could indeed be the modern medicine for metabolic health.