Over the past few decades, juice cleanses have become an increasingly popular health trend. Proponents promise benefits ranging from rapid weight loss to radiant skin to renewed energy—but these claims sometimes lack scientific backing. So, are juice cleanses truly a miracle solution?
The claim: weight loss
Juice cleanses involve consuming only fruit and vegetable juices for a set period (typically three to ten days) while abstaining from solid foods. This can lead to rapid weight loss, but it’s often due to water loss, reduced glycogen stores, and muscle breakdown—not fat loss. Once solid foods are reintroduced, most people regain the lost weight. Additionally, the low-calorie nature of these diets can slow metabolism, making it harder to maintain weight loss in the long run.