> The other factor is the supposed ‘cellular regeneration’ kinds of claims, along the lines of “well, if your cells arent metabolizing fresh food, they have time to do clean—up processes and this is good for reasons”. I would be interested to learn more along these lines, but it makes sense that this wouldn’t be directly related to weight loss as such and would instead affect other factors (longevity, gut and skin health, etc)

I have seen a lot of post from people on fasting subreddit with pictures of skin condition improving/gone after fasting.

It does make sense that our bodies take path of least resistance, and when there is no food around the cellular 'garbage' becomes something can be recycled into food.