Does Intermittent Fasting Have Health Benefits?

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Health benefits of intermittent fasting

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Intermittent fasting is a promising dietary approach with multiple health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While the evidence supporting these benefits is growing, further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and mechanisms of intermittent fasting. Nonetheless, intermittent fasting offers a potential non-pharmacological strategy for improving health outcomes at the population level.

Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained significant attention in recent years as a potential non-pharmacological approach to improving health outcomes. This dietary pattern involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, and it has been associated with various health benefits, including weight loss, improved metabolic health, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. This article explores the health benefits of intermittent fasting, supported by evidence from multiple research studies.

Weight Loss and Metabolic Health

One of the most well-documented benefits of intermittent fasting is its potential to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health. Several studies have shown that intermittent fasting can lead to significant reductions in body weight and body fat. For instance, a review of various intermittent fasting regimens found that these eating patterns can promote weight loss and improve metabolic health by influencing circadian biology, the gut microbiome, and lifestyle behaviors such as sleep. Additionally, intermittent fasting has been shown to improve lipid profiles, reduce abdominal fat, and enhance glycemic control in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Health

Intermittent fasting may also have positive effects on cardiovascular health. Research indicates that intermittent fasting can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving weight control, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation . Furthermore, intermittent fasting has been associated with decreased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, which are important markers of cardiovascular health. Although large randomized control trials are lacking, current human studies suggest that intermittent fasting could be a heart-healthy dietary pattern.

Diabetes Management

Intermittent fasting has shown promise in managing type 2 diabetes. Studies have demonstrated that intermittent fasting can lead to improvements in insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose levels, and other diabetic parameters . A systematic review and meta-analysis found that intermittent fasting was associated with greater weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to a standard diet, although it did not significantly impact glycemic control. These findings suggest that intermittent fasting could be a valuable dietary strategy for individuals with diabetes, but further research is needed to confirm its long-term effects.

Mechanisms of Action

The health benefits of intermittent fasting are thought to be mediated through several physiological mechanisms. These include the optimization of circadian rhythms, reduction of oxidative stress, and induction of ketogenesis. Additionally, intermittent fasting may influence metabolic regulation through changes in the gut microbiome and modifiable lifestyle behaviors such as diet and sleep . Acute changes in metabolic analytes during fasting periods have also been observed, which may contribute to the long-term health benefits of intermittent fasting.

 


Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Natalie Lister has answered Likely

An expert from University of Sydney in Nutrition, Obesity, Dietetics

Intermittent fasting (IF), popularised by the ‘5:2 diet’ actually encompasses a variety of eating patterns that involve 1-4 days per week of very low energy intake (or complete fasting). The timing and number of eating occasions on ‘fasting’ days range from one meal only to several small snacks. IF has been promoted as a successful plan for weight loss, improved health outcomes and longevity. But, what does the research tell us?

Firstly, most research to date on IF comes from short-term studies involving a modest number of participants. Participants have been adults who are normal weight or have overweight/obesity including those with lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes. IF has been shown to significantly reduce body weight and improve body composition (by reducing  body fat) (1,2). However, studies comparing IF to more traditional diets, such as a standard  daily energy restriction, have shown similar reductions in weight, body size and fat (1-3). It has been suggested that IF may lead to benefits, including an increased lifespan, irrespective of weight loss achieved following the diet. However, there is limited human research on the impact of IF on age related disease. Current evidence suggests that IF has beneficial effects on markers of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. For example, IF regimens have produced favourable results on insulin sensitivity, regulation of blood sugars and improved cholesterol (1-4). But, daily energy restricted plans have produced similar results (5). Furthermore, many of these improvements have also been associated with weight loss and body fat loss. Weight maintenance and avoiding weight gain, rather than IF itself may be protective against the development of these conditions (6). Preliminary research is looking at mechanisms by which IF may protect against development of common diseases associated with aging and sedentary lifestyles, but there is limited evidence to draw any conclusions (6).

 

So IF may not be superior to daily energy restriction in terms of weight loss and improved health outcomes. But, is it easier to stick to? Well, the evidence is unclear on this. Short-term studies have shown that IF can be adhered to quite readily and may be preferable to daily energy restriction (1). Although, one recent study found that long-term adherence to IF was poorer than daily energy restriction (5). It seems that while some people find IF an acceptable and effective plan to follow, others cannot stick to the plan long term. One size definitely doesn’t fit all.

 

IF can be described as being equally as effective for weight loss as a traditional daily energy restriction diet. However, there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that IF is a superior dietary pattern to more traditional diets for long term weight maintenance and improved health outcomes. Longer studies involving a larger participant base are needed to determine the long term health benefits of IF.  So, what can we take from this? IF can be a safe, effective plan to follow for weight management and prevention of weight gain and may also have positive effects on risk factors for diseases such as type 2 diabetes. But it is not the only plan that can assist with these factors, and being able to stick to any form of energy controlled eating plan is beneficial for health. The IF style of eating may be preferred by some and therefore is more likely to be successful for certain individuals.

References:

(1) Seimon RV et al. Do intermittent diets provide physiological benefits over continuous diets for weight loss? A systematic review of clinical trials. Mol Cell Endocrinol (2015) 418:153-172

(2) Harvie M, Howell A. Potential benefits and harms of intermittent energy restriction and intermittent fasting amongst obese, overweight and normal weight subjects – A narrative review of human and animal evidence. Behavi Sci (2017) 7(4):1-22.

(3) Headland, M., et al. Weight-Loss Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intermittent Energy Restriction Trials Lasting a Minimum of 6 Months Nutrients (2016) 8(6): 354.

(4) Varady KA et al. Effects of weight loss via high fat vs. low fat alternate day fasting diets on free fatty acid profiles. Sci Rep (2015) 5, 7561

(5) Trepanowski JF et al. Effect of alternate-day fasting on weight loss, weight maintenance, and cardio protection among metabolically healthy obese adults. A Randomised Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med (2017) 177(7):930-938.

(6) Mattson MP et al. Impact of intermittent fasting on health and disease processes. Ageing Res Rev (2017) 39:46-58.   

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Brenda Burgess has answered Likely

An expert from University at Buffalo in Nutrition, Food Science, Genetics

Intermittent Fasting is defined as a way of eating that restricts an individual’s feeding window – typically abstaining from food intake for 24 hours, every other day. This eating regimen induces autophagy, sending a message of famine or scarcity to your body, thereby forcing your cells to do some inner maintenance by catabolizing waste products and repair themselves. Types of Intermittent Fasting include: partial day fasting (intermittently skipping 1 or 2 meals per day to yield a fast of 18-24 hours), single day fasting, alternate day fasting (the most common approach in research studied), multiple day fasting, and 5:2 Intermittent fasting (restricting 2 days each week to a consumption of 500-600 kcal per day, either back-to-back or spaced apart by 1 or more days of unrestricted food intake).

Advocacy for Intermittent Fasting has soared in the past decade, owing to the numerous therapeutic benefits reported in the literature. However, it is important to note that the most striking benefits to date have only been detected in animal models (specifically, mice and C. elegans) and a subset of the human population. In animals, researchers have seen a reduction in the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, an increase in lifespan, and shrinkage of tumor growth. In humans, there is emerging evidence that Intermittent Fasting can assist in modest fat loss (~2-5%, if done over the short-term), reprogram the metabolism, normalize blood sugars and lipids, expedite muscle growth, eliminate chronic infections, suppress seizures in epileptic patients, and even boost the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Could Intermittent Fasting be the panacea to the chronic disease epidemic? Too soon to tell. Investigations conducted on humans were restricted to those who were already moderately healthy, so how far its reach of healing extends remains to be elucidated. Since it induces a state of nutrient scarcity (and therefore threatens our survival), it is not recommended for women trying to get pregnant, who are pregnant, or who are breastfeeding, for people with H. pylori infection or severe stomach inflammation, or people with Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. Furthermore, even healthy individuals must exercise caution when choosing to Intermittent Fast beyond 3 days, as reports indicate losses of potassium, magnesium, breakdown of muscle tissue, and reductions in metabolic rate by 15-25%.

Should you attempt to Intermittent Fast? It depends on your current health status and what your goals are. Ironically, it seems that Intermittent Fasting is only beneficial for those who don’t necessarily need it.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Alice Owen has answered Likely

An expert from Monash University in Epidemiology, Nutrition, Physiology

This answer needs to be qualified by saying (a) “not necessarily for everyone” and (b) “we have insufficient evidence from human studies to be exactly certain how, to what extent, and what the long-term effects might be”.

There are certain groups of people for whom potential risks may outweigh benefits when it comes to intermittent fasting. These include pregnant and breastfeeding women, those with thyroid dysfunction, diabetes and other underlying chronic disease. People in these groups should consult their medical professional before embarking on any type of dietary change.

Obesity is highly prevalent in many countries across the globe, and we know that overweight and obesity is associated with increased risk of poor health outcomes. The weight loss industry is booming, and intermittent fasting has firmly established itself in the diet zeitgeist.

When it comes to weight loss, trials in humans suggests that intermittent fasting can result in weight loss when compared to not changing diet at all, but when intermittent fasting is compared to reducing calorie intake by eating less each day, both tend to be equally effective for weight loss.

So for those of us who are carrying excess body fat, finding a way to reduce our calorie intake that we can sustain and can fit into our lifestyle is the key. For some people intermittent fasting might fit the bill. For others, the temptation to overeat and make poor dietary choices after the end of the fasting period might mean that any potential benefit is negated. Whatever method you choose, pay attention to what you eat (and what you cut down on) to ensure that adequate intake of key nutrients is maintained.

Most of the research into intermittent fasting has been conducted in animal models, and we know that this does not necessarily translate to what we might see in humans. These experimental cellular and animal studies are providing fascinating insight into the biological mechanisms underpinning the response to intermittent fasting, but there is currently insufficient evidence to support the suggestions that intermittent fasting can delay or counteract development of diabetes, heart disease, neurological disorders (such as Parkinson’s disease) and cancer in humans. 

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Hana Kahleova has answered Near Certain

An expert from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Nutrition, Endocrinology

Health benefits of intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting and reduced meal frequency can prevent the development of obesity and chronic diseases, and extend life span in laboratory animals (1, 2). Mice under time-restricted feeding consumed equivalent calories from a high-fat diet as those with ad libitum access yet were protected against obesity and diabetes (3,4). Intermittent fasting leads to a prolonged life-span and positively affects glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and incidence of type 2 diabetes in mice (1, 2, 5-8).

The effect of meal frequency on body weight in humans has been studied in only a small number of randomized clinical trials. These typically included small numbers of participants (max 40), were only short term (max 8.5 weeks), and varied greatly in meal frequency manipulations (ranging from 1 to 12 meals a day). A thorough summary and overview of these trials has been published recently (9).

Analyzing data from more than 50,000 participants in the Adventist Health Study-2, who were followed for more than 7 years, we investigated the relationship between meal frequency, timing and changes in BMI. We demonstrated that eating 1 or 2 meals per day was associated with a relative decrease in BMI compared with 3 meals a day. Further, participants eating more than 3 meals a day experienced a relative increase in BMI: the more “meals” (meals and snacks) per day, the greater the increase in BMI. Correspondingly, the change in BMI among people having a long night fast (>18 hours, usually early afternoon till morning) was relatively decreased compared to the reference of a medium length night fast (12-17 hours), but both had a relatively decreased change in BMI when compared to those with a short night fast (7-11 hours). Breakfast eaters experienced a relative decrease in their BMI compared with breakfast skippers. Those eating their largest meal at breakfast experienced a relatively large decrease in BMI, when compared to those eating their largest meal at lunch or dinner (10).

In a randomized crossover 24-week study, we examined the effect of frequency of meals on body weight, hepatic fat content, and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Comparison of the effect of six vs. two meals (breakfast and lunch) with the same daily caloric restriction (-500 kcal/day) and macronutrient content, each regimen lasting 12 weeks, demonstrated a superior effect of two meals a day on body weight, hepatic fat content, fasting plasma glucose, C-peptide, glucagon and insulin sensitivity (11). 

In summary, intermittent fasting seems to have clear metabolic benefits and should be utilized more in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

References:

  1. Mattson MP. Energy intake, meal frequency, and health: a neurobiological perspective. Annu Rev Nutr 2005;25:237-60. doi: 10.1146/annurev.nutr.25.050304.092526.
  2.       Anson RM, Guo Z, de Cabo R, Iyun T, Rios M, Hagepanos A, Ingram DK, Lane MA, Mattson MP. Intermittent fasting dissociates beneficial effects of dietary restriction on glucose metabolism and neuronal resistance to injury from calorie intake. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003;100(10):6216-20. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1035720100.
  3.       Hatori M, Vollmers C, Zarrinpar A, DiTacchio L, Bushong EA, Gill S, Leblanc M, Chaix A, Joens M, Fitzpatrick JA, et al. Time-restricted feeding without reducing caloric intake prevents metabolic diseases in mice fed a high-fat diet. Cell Metab 2012;15(6):848-60. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2012.04.019.
  4.       Sherman H, Genzer Y, Cohen R, Chapnik N, Madar Z, Froy O. Timed high-fat diet resets circadian metabolism and prevents obesity. FASEB J 2012;26(8):3493-502. doi: 10.1096/fj.12-208868.
  5.       Pedersen CR, Hagemann I, Bock T, Buschard K. Intermittent feeding and fasting reduces diabetes incidence in BB rats. Autoimmunity 1999;30(4):243-50.
  6.       Anson RM, Jones B, de Cabod R. The diet restriction paradigm: a brief review of the effects of every-other-day feeding. Age (Dordr) 2005;27(1):17-25. doi: 10.1007/s11357-005-3286-2.
  7.       Wang ZQ, Bell-Farrow AD, Sonntag W, Cefalu WT. Effect of age and caloric restriction on insulin receptor binding and glucose transporter levels in aging rats. Exp Gerontol 1997;32(6):671-84.
  8.       Goodrick CL, Ingram DK, Reynolds MA, Freeman JR, Cider NL. Effects of intermittent feeding upon growth and life span in rats. Gerontology 1982;28(4):233-41.
  9.       Raynor HA, Goff MR, Poole SA, Chen G. Eating Frequency, Food Intake, and Weight: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Experimental Studies. Front Nutr 2015;2:38. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2015.00038.
  10.     Kahleova H, Lloren J, Mashchak A, Hill M, Fraser GE. Meal Frequency and Timing Are Associated with Changes in Body Mass Index in Adventist Health Study 2. J Nutr. 2017 Sep;147(9):1722-1728. doi: 10.3945/jn.116.244749. Epub 2017 Jul 12.
  11.     Kahleova H, Belinova L, Malinska H, Oliyarnyk O, Trnovska J, Skop V, Kazdova L, Dezortova M, Hajek M, Tura A, Hill M, Pelikanova T. Eating two larger meals a day (breakfast and lunch) is more effective than six smaller meals in a reduced-energy regimen for patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised crossover study. Diabetologia. 2014 Aug;57(8):1552-60. doi: 10.1007/s00125-014-3253-5. Epub 2014 May 18.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Leann Olansky, MD has answered Uncertain

An expert from Cleveland Clinic in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Medicine

“Intermittent fasting” is being promoted as a way to lose weight, to get metabolic improvements such as lower blood glucose and lower blood pressure and the prevent aging. The data relating the success is mixed.

There is not even consensus on what constitutes intermittent fasting. Some protocol restrict eating to 8 hours in a 24 hour day or 16 hours of fasting. Some suggest complete lack of caloric intake 2 days out of the week while others would limit calories to 500 Kcal per day on “fasting” days. Each suggests health food choices. It is not surprising that some devotees will lose weight and see other benefits if they are more careful what they put in their mouths and this may be more important that the timing.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Leanne Harris has answered Uncertain

An expert from University of Glasgow in Obesity

The evidence on the effectiveness of intermittent fasting on health outcomes is unclear as it is not always investigated in high quality randomised controlled studies.

Studies, thus far, have included biomarkers/ risk factors for adverse cardiometabolic health conditions including glucose, insulin, and cholesterol levels. There is some evidence demonstrating statistically significant reductions in these outcomes following intermittent fasting. These findings are comparable to dieting every day which is currently recommended by clinical guidelines for weight loss. However, whether reductions in these risk factors reported in these studies are enough to have an improvement in health is uncertain.

The conclusion on the effectiveness of intermittent fasting on health is also hindered as no randomised controlled trials have evaluated hard endpoints, such as the incidence of cardiovascular or type two diabetes.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Ryan Day has answered Near Certain

An expert from University of Tasmania in Physiology, Biochemistry

What is fasting?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a “catch all” term popularly used to describe a range of eating regimes often used to restrict calories and promote weight loss. Different types of IF include daily feeding windows (e.g. 18 h fasting, 6 h feeding; 20 h fasting, 4 h feeding), alternate day fasting (i.e. eat ad libitum day 1, fast or eat only very small meal day 2, eat ad libitum day 3, fast or very small meal day 4, etc.), whole day fasting (i.e. 5 days of normal eating per week, 2 days of fasting per week) or other variations. Traditionally, fasting means no caloric consumption for a period of time, common usage may include the consumption of small meals in some circumstances, such as alternate day fasting.

IF benefits

There are a range of purported benefits to IF, ranging from the practical to the physiological. Practically, IF has been shown to facilitate caloric restriction. For regimes such as whole or alternate day fasting, this is simply through having days of zero to very low calorie consumption. For feeding windows, calorie restriction is achieved through the satiety of eating a day’s worth of calories in a short period of time. In terms of physiology, IF has been shown to promote greater weight loss and fat mass reduction than simple calorie reduction through the enhanced utilisation of fat stores for energy during the fasting period. Some studies also suggest that IF may avoid the loss of lean/fat-free mass better than other caloric restriction regimes.

IF concerns/drawbacks

IF is not without its drawbacks. It is not a magic bullet, and it is possible to overeat or exceed caloric limits within one’s eating window. Some studies have questioned whether IF improves weigh loss over calorie restriction when the total number of calories consumed is kept similar (i.e. isocaloric). Another drawback is that IF may not be suitable for everyone, with adherence and social impacts possible.

Overall, it is apparent that intermittent fasting has health benefits. Some of these benefits remain nebulously defined, but a consistent trend in weight management, fat mass reduction and improved metabolic profiles exists. An excellent review of intermittent fasting research is Tinsley & LaBounty (2015) Effects of intermittent fasting on body composition and clinical health markers in humans. Nutrition Reviews 73:661-674.

For transparency, the author wishes to disclose that he is a long-time (6+ years) practitioner of intermittent fasting.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Peter Clifton has answered Unlikely

An expert from University of South Australia in Endocrinology

There have been more reviews on this subject than actual interventions and all agree that there is no difference in weight loss between conventional caloric restriction and a modified fast 2 days per week. There may be transient and small differences in fasting insulin which are not seen in most studies. We have performed 2 large studies examining this topic and seen no differences in any variable. Both the studies are under review but some data is available below

The effects of intermittent compared to continuous energy restriction on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes; a pragmatic pilot trial.

Carter S, Clifton PM, Keogh JB.

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2016 Dec;122:106-112. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2016.10.010. Epub 2016 Oct 19.

PMID:

27833048

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Weight-Loss Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intermittent Energy Restriction Trials Lasting a Minimum of 6 Months.

Headland M, Clifton PM, Carter S, Keogh JB.

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Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Marcelo Christoffolete has answered Unlikely

An expert from Universidade Federal do ABC in Endocrinology, Physiology

Regarding intermittent fasting, we look at it with caution. It should never be done by an individual without first consulting his physician. The prerogatives are valid, but it has different formats according to gender, age and overall health status. There is no magical formula and one and only solution.

Intermittent fasting is somewhat based on the fact that our body can handle well periods of starvation considering our evolutionary past. However, starvation takes its toll on the body. Many people experience losing weight in what seems to be a healthy way, however, as the longer this goes on, the body begins to adapt and save energy, lowering metabolism. Adaptations also include a better nutrient absorption by digestive tract.

If an individual does not change his feeding habits, it is more likely to gain weight over time, and this happens much faster if they go off diet. On the other hand, people who commit to this diet, usually change their feeding habits, which in my opinion have a greater impact in their life style rather diet itself. As the person starts to eat better and exercise, losing weight is expected, regardless intermittent fasting.

At any rate, we reinforce that their physician should always be consulted before engaging in any diet and exercise protocol.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Ivor Ebenezer has answered Likely

An expert from University of Portsmouth in Neuroscience

Intermittent fasting (IF) normally refers to prolonged periods when a person is not consuming food interspersed by periods of eating and drinking. Most popular forms of IF include eating for a period of about 8 hours a day followed by fasting for the remaining 16 hours, restricting food consumption to 500 or 600 calories for two or three days of the week, or fasting for one or two days a week. There are many other variations of IF. Studies carried out in rat and mouse have shown that calorie restriction induced by IF results in weight loss, extends life expectancy, reduces cellular death due to oxidative stress, decreases inflammation, slows cognitive decline with ageing or in animal genetically engineered to display symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, reverses type 2 diabetes, and decreases the incidence of cancers. It appears that during IF, the body switches from using glucose as its preferred source of energy to ketones that are derived from fat stores. The use of ketones as the body’s primary source of energy during fasting seems to be responsible for the health promoting effects of IF (Mattson, M,P (2012) Energy Intake and Exercise as Determinants of Brain Health and Vulnerability to Injury and Disease,Cell Metabolism, 16, 706-702).

The question is whether these rodent findings can be translated to man and other primates. While an early study in monkeys indicated extended life span with restricted calorie intake, a long term study conduced over a quarter of a century has shown that calorie restriction does not extend life expectancy. However, a close analysis of the monkey data has indicated that restriction of food consumption improves the general health of the animals as they aged (Mattison, J. A., et al. (2017) Caloric restriction improves health and survival of rhesus monkeys. Nature Communications, 8:14063 | DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14). A lot of attention of IF in humans has focused on treating obesity and type 2 diabetes that is associated with obesity. Small scale clinical trials have indicted that short term IF does reduce body fat and may also make it easier to control type 2 diabetes. Additionally, there is anecdotal evidence that it may reverse type 2 diabetes in some subjects. However, other forms of dieting and exercise will also result in fat loss and better control of type 2 diabetes. Whether IF, as opposed to other forms of dieting, will have other beneficial effects on general health and cognition with ageing, and extend life expectancy, as reported for mouse and rat, will need long term clinical trials with large sample sizes. Most studies to date have been carried out in obese subjects and any improvements in general health may be attributed to loss of excess weight rather than to the specific effects of IF per se. However, there is a marked paucity of studies in non obese individuals to test if they will also benefit from IF. IF is not without potential medical problems. These may include increased irritability during the fasting phase, stress due to fasting with increased release of cortisol, psychiatric problems such as anxiety disorders and depression, gastrointestinal problems, weight gain due to increased calorie intake during feeding periods, vitamin deficiencies, and cardiovascular problems. It is of interest to note that long term IF tends to cause hardening of heart muscle in rodent. Fasting for a long time is difficult to maintain, and a lot of people who attempt such IF diets revert to their old eating habits after a few weeks or months and tend to regain the weight that they have lost.

 In conclusion, while the potential health benefits of IF gleaned from animal studies are extremely exciting if they can be translated to man, large scale long term longitudinal studies in both non obese and obese subjects are warranted to validate any claims of health improvements of IF in humans. 

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Paul Ernsberger has answered Extremely Unlikely

An expert from Case Western Reserve University in Pharmacology, Nutrition, Cardiology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Obesity

We have nearly 100 years of nutrition research on intermittent fasting. Intermittent feeding is an effective way of maximizing weight gain in cows and pigs with a smaller amount of grain. Recently studies claiming weight loss in humans are probably the result of the power of suggestion. 30 years ago, it was thought that eating on small plates or keeping a food diary were cures for obesity.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Isabel Krug has answered Likely

An expert from University of Melbourne in Eating Disorders

There is some research that has shown that intermittent fasting may help weight loss (however so does eating less in general), lower the risk for type 2 diabetes and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Wafa Halasa has answered Unlikely

An expert from Ministry of Health of Jordan in Medicine

First the definition of FASTING should be clear. Food, water fasting and how many hours. Fasting from water could be dangerous in hot climates because dehydration is serious. Eating less calories is beneficial. Fasting for few hours and then eating heavy meal with a lot of calories is not beneficial. Definition of fasting should be established first.Fasting or intermittent eating should be done under medical supervision. I am worried about generalizing the concept to the public without giving them precautions and possible side effects of fasting.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Heidi May has answered Likely

An expert from Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Public Health

Yes, studies have shown that the benefits of fasting may come through improved body weight, blood sugar control, and biomarkers related to inflammation and other favorable levels that influence organ and body function.

 

Does intermittent fasting have health benefits?

Richard  Holt has answered Unlikely

An expert from University of Southampton in Endocrinology

Intermittent fasting has become popular in recent years as a mechanism of trying to lose weight. The term encompasses a number of different approaches to eating including alternate-day fasting, whole-day fasting (e.g. the 5:2 diet) and restricting eating to certain times of the day. There have only been a few studies examining this formally but both alternate-day fasting and whole-day fasting can lead to reductions in body weight, body fat and cholesterol, at least in the short term. The jury is still out for restrictive eating. Whether we should recommend these approaches remains debatable because it is uncertain what the long term effects are and how easy it is for people to maintain these diets over time.

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