This study was designed to observe the change of body composition and nutrient metabolites and the excretion of minerals during complete fasting for 10 days in thirty women. Average loss of body weight was 7.98kg and body fat was gradually reduced after 9 days fasting, but the loss of lean body mass was reduced after 7 days fasting. Serum glucose level was sustained at constant level, but serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, free acid and $eta$-hydroxybutyrate were significantly increased during fasting but decreased after re-feeding. Urinary excretions of 3-methylhistidine, total creatinine, and urea were high in the beginning of fasting but gradually decreased. Serum level of parathyroid hormone was significantly reduced by fasting but regained after re-feeding. Serum level of minerals was at the constant level throughout the experimental period. The urinary excretion of minerals(Ca, K, Mg, P) was significantly increased in the early stage of fasting and then reduced from 7 days, but the excretion of Zn was continuously increased until the late stage of fasting. These results showed that amino acid fatty acid released from the breakdown of muscle protein and body fat, respectively, were utilized for energy during fasting. Body weight and BMI were reduced because of the increased muscle protein breakdown and body water excretion during early stage of fasting, but the significant body fat loss was after 9 days fasting. Therefore, it could be suggested to fast for longer than 10 days if the reduction of body fat was planned by fasting, and recommed to exercise and ingest more vitamins and minerals to replace the excreted minerals during fasting. (Korean J Nutrition 34(5) : 547~553, 2001)