The changes that occur in the body during fasting depend on the length of the continuous fast. Usually your body enters into a fasting state eight or so hours after the last meal. Your body will initially use stored sources of glucose and then later in the fast it will break down body fat to use as the next source of energy. Using your body’s fat stores as an energy source can in the long run help to reduce your cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as your weight. Losing weight, particularly if you are overweight, can also lead to better control of diabetes. However, fasting should not be used as a way of losing weight in the long term.