You have raised an important question.

 

Sunnah is often mistaken for certain customs of the Prophet (peace be upon him) which often have no bearing on the normative practice of Islam like the use of arak for teeth brushing, wearing a turban, using a staff or measuring the size of the beard, and so on.

 

The question you have raised is of a greater significance, for it is related to taking care of our health.

 

The Prophetic Sunnah with regard to weight loss and maintaining health consists of an integrated approach to lifestyle, including eating, physical and spiritual practices.

 

This program can be summed up in the following:

 

1- The basic principle is moderation in eating, drinking, and all activities. Going to extremes is highly discouraged. Eat and drink and do not be wasteful.

 

2- Moderate food consumption entails: eating only when hungry; while eating, we are encouraged to avoid over-filling up. Cutting down the portion is the Sunnah way: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A few morsels of food that would keep his spine erect and straight would suffice a person: If he or she wishes to eat more, they should spare one third for food, one third for water and the remaining third for comfortable breathing.”

 

3- Intermittent fasting was the Prophetic way: He would fast on Mondays and Thursdays and also some other days; often he would come home, and if he didn’t see any food, he would say: I am fasting.

 

Intermittent fasting is scientifically proven to be one of the best ways for better health and prevention of diseases, including diabetes, and obesity, cholesterol and so on.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.