Professional golfer Phil Mickelson, who made his 32nd start with the Masters this week, was open about his commitment to health and wellness.
The six-time major champion and three-time master winner said he would follow Long time for 5 dayswhich led to him dropping 25 pounds in 2023.
Intermittent fasting (IF) has become a common weight loss strategy in recent years.
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There are several types of intermittent fasting, but they all follow the same concept between the same concepts Fasting and eating.
This is a photo of Phil Mickelson playing in golf tournaments 24 years apart in 2001 (left) and 2025 (right). The six-time major champion and three-time Masters winner said he has been going fast over the long five days. (Reuters/AP)
In a time-limited approach, diets eat only between certain windows. For example, in the 16/8 method, the person can fast for 16 hours and eat within 8 hours between 10am and 6pm
Other versions include fasting once or twice a week for 24 hours, or burning only a limited calorie on fasting days.
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Dr. Christopher Rhodes – AloNgevity, fasting and biomimetic researchers in California shared their thoughts on Mickelson’s radical fasting program. Drinking coffee Includes supplements.
“The long-term five-day fasting that Phil Mickelson follows will have a major impact on metabolism and weight loss,” he told Fox News Digital.
Phil Mickelson is looking at the sixth hole in the first round of the Masters Golf Tournament, which took place in Augusta, Georgia on April 10, 2025. The athlete is open about his commitment to health and wellness. (AP photo)
“It fundamentally shifted the energy state and fuel sources within the body, preserving fat to burn fat as energy, but at the expense of elite athletic performance, especially in the late stages of high speeds.”
Potential risks
According to Rhodes, who is also the founder of a nutrition company, fasting for more than 24 hours depletes the body’s glycogen storehouse, leaving ketosis primarily burning fats and ketones. Mimio Health.
“This promotes fat loss and benefits overall metabolic health, but the body needs to produce a portion of its own glucose to support brain function and begins to break down protein sources such as muscles to maintain proper glucose levels.”
“The long-term five-day fasting that Phil Mickelson follows will have a major impact on metabolism and weight loss.”
Over time, this can cause muscle collapse, strength loss, fatigue and a drop in overall energy levels, which can interfere with athletic ability, according to experts.
Mickelson spoke of his own muscle loss as a result of the fast.
“I lost my muscles too, so I had to start lifting. I was lifting and slowly bringing speed and strength back to where I needed it,” he said in his 2023 Masters degree.
There are several types of intermittent fasting, but they all follow the same concept of alternating between fasting and eating. (istock)
For elite athletes, maintaining muscle mass and metabolism flexibility is important, Rhodes said.
“Extended fasting can slow recovery and impair high-intensity athletic performance, and can even reduce power output if not properly managed.”
The doctor warned that a long five-day fast should not be performed more than a few times a year, and that there will be sufficient recovery time in between.
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Specific groups – such as risk of muscle loss, senior citizen – He said you should avoid fasting for five days.
“While fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, cognition, cell function and metabolic efficiency, shortening of intermittent fasting windows or fasting mimicking strategies could offer similar metabolic benefits without the drawbacks of extreme calorie restriction,” Rhodes added.
Smart supplements
Mickelson reportedly drinks coffee along with supplements during his fasting. Weight loss.
“During long-term fasting, your body begins to break down both protein and fat for energy, which can lead to muscle loss,” he said.
Mickelson reportedly drinks coffee along with supplements during his fasting. This is what Rhodes recommends as a way to maintain energy and muscle mass while losing weight. (istock)
“Supplements such as amino acids, fatty acids, electrolytes, and certain metabolic biological activities can help reduce this.”
The doctors noted that supplementation with branched chain amino acids (BCAAS), creatine, or HMB (hydroxymethylbutylate) can help maintain muscle tissue, performance and strength while remaining in a fasting state.
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“Similarly, replenishment Essential Vitaminsminerals, amino acids, and omega-3s like EPA and DHA, cannot be produced by themselves, but are important to maintain high levels of function during long-term fasting for several days,” he added.
Phil Mickelson will hit the fairway on the first hole in the first round of the Masters Golf Tournament held in Augusta, Georgia on April 10, 2025. For elite athletes, maintaining muscle mass and metabolism flexibility is important, Rhodes said. (AP photo)
Coffee caffeine also helps provide calorie-free energy, Rhodes noted. Reduce appetite It provides a cognitive boost to combat potential fasting-induced brain fog.
“The long-term fasting can deplete electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, which are essential for muscle function, hydration and energy production,” he said. “If his supplements contain these electrolytes, it can help prevent cramps and fatigue.”
The importance of strength training
Regarding Mickelson’s comments on lifting weights during fasting, Rhodes agreed that weightlifting is essential to preserve and build muscle during weight loss.
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“The body works on the principle of “using it or losing it” especially during the period of calorie restriction or fasting. There, we need to mobilize energy sources from our bodies,” the doctor said.
“Muscles are one of the most energetically expensive tissues to maintain. So, if you’re not using them every day, your body will start to break down your muscles first to save energy.”
Experts agree that weightlifting is essential for saving and building muscles during weight loss. (istock)
Resistance Training It signals the body that a lean mass is essential for survival, preventing excessive muscle collapse and instructing fuel fat to prioritize.
“For athletes like Mickelson, weightlifting also helps in neuromuscular coordination, joint integrity and maintaining power,” Rhodes said.
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“Strength training improves insulin sensitivity, increases metabolic rates and ensures that weight loss occurs primarily from fat, not muscle.”
It is also important for experts to refuel after fasting with an appropriate protein intake.
Find healthy patterns
Ultimately, according to Rhodes, the best way to support long-term weight loss and Metabolic Health It’s about finding dietary patterns that are useful for individuals and lasting for a long period of time.
“During long-term fasting, your body begins to break down both protein and fat for energy, which can lead to muscle loss.”
“While some find that the period of fasting helps reset their hunger and fullness cues and build a better relationship with food, they may find it too restrictive and overwhelming.
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“Everyone is different, but prioritizing nutritional density Minimal processed foods Rich in fiber, protein and healthy fats can greatly help reduce cravings and improve quality of life and dietary satisfaction. ”
