There are those dieters who believe that skipping meals will actually kick start the weight loss process. According to one expert from the National Institute on Aging, people in good health can actually benefit from going without food one day a week, or cutting back calories a couple of days a week. Some research indicates that fasting for up to 36 hours may reduce the risks for heart disease, diabetes or cancer. Short-term fasting is thought to also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in cells which can contribute to cancer down the line. These same experts also suggest that fasting slows the elements in the body that trigger aging, which in turn helps keep the organs aging. Of course, there are others who cry foul when it comes to the supposed benefits of fasting, especially when you're trying to lose weight.