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Intermittent fasting offers several metabolic and health benefits, making it an attractive dietary strategy for many. However, the potential risks, particularly concerning eating disorders, warrant careful consideration. Healthcare providers should monitor individuals practicing IF for signs of disordered eating and provide appropriate guidance to mitigate these risks. Further research is crucial to fully understand the relationship between intermittent fasting and eating disorders and to develop safe dietary recommendations.
Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity as a dietary strategy for weight loss and metabolic health improvement. However, concerns have been raised about its potential association with eating disorders (EDs). This article explores whether intermittent fasting can lead to eating disorders by reviewing current research findings.
Intermittent Fasting and Its Benefits
Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. Various forms of IF, such as alternate-day fasting, full-day fasting, and time-restricted feeding, have shown promising results in weight management and metabolic health. Studies have demonstrated that IF can lead to weight loss, improved lipid profiles, and better glycemic control in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes1 2 4 6 8.
Potential Risks of Intermittent Fasting
Despite its benefits, intermittent fasting may pose risks, particularly concerning eating disorder symptomatology. A study examining the association between IF and ED symptoms found that individuals practicing IF scored higher on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) compared to community norms. Additionally, a significant portion of participants reported engaging in ED behaviors such as self-induced vomiting3. This suggests a potential link between IF and the development or exacerbation of eating disorders.
Psychological and Behavioral Implications
The psychological impact of intermittent fasting should not be overlooked. The restrictive nature of IF may trigger or worsen disordered eating behaviors in susceptible individuals. The emphasis on fasting periods can lead to an unhealthy preoccupation with food and body image, potentially contributing to the development of eating disorders3 5.
Need for Further Research
While current evidence indicates a possible association between intermittent fasting and eating disorders, more research is needed to establish a causal relationship. Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are essential to understand the long-term psychological effects of IF and identify individuals at risk of developing eating disorders3 5 9.
Does intermittent fasting lead to eating disorders?
Rebecca Reynolds has answered Likely
An expert from UNSW Sydney in Psychology
For many people, yes. For some others, no.
Strict dieting in many people will increase the risk of an eating disorder.
https://www.nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-explained/disordered-eating-and-dieting/
Does intermittent fasting lead to eating disorders?
Isabel Krug has answered Uncertain
An expert from University of Melbourne in Eating Disorders
It all depends on the period of fasting as well as on the individual. The longer the fasting period, probably the more elevated the risk for an eating disorder. However, eating disorders are complex multi-factorial illnesses. It is therefore not possible to say that one factor causes eating disorders. Dieting and body dissatisfaction, are the two most proximal risk factors for eating disorders. It is well known that food restriction leads to binge eating behaviour, which in turn may cause purging behaviours. Hence, intermittent fasting, in a more severe form, could certainly be a dangerous triggering factor in an already vulnerable individual (e.g. genetically susceptible and/or perfectionistic person).
It probably also depends for what reasons (heath benefits, religious reasons or to lose weight) a person engages in intermittent fasting. If a person is at an increased risk for an eating disorder and is unhappy with their appearance, intermittent fasting could very well be an excuse to lose weight. In such an instance, intermittent fasting could be presented to others as a health benefit, so that significant others would not be able to raise concerns as easily. We often also see this with healthy eating and/or food allergies/intolerance.
Does intermittent fasting lead to eating disorders?
Hiba Jebeile has answered Uncertain
An expert from University of Sydney in Nutrition
Intermittent fasting is a broad term used to describe a number of different eating patterns. If we consider the two most popular types of intermittent fasting, the 5:2 diet and time restricted feeding e.g. 16:8, there has not been any research that has directly looked at the effect of these two diets on the development of eating disorders. So ultimately we don’t know if intermittent fasting contributes to eating disorders.