Intermittent Fasting: What We Know So Far

Over the past few years, intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular as a weight-loss strategy. But what is intermittent fasting? How does it work? Is it effective? And most importantly, is it safe? Let’s take a closer look at what we know about intermittent fasting.

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How Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

Intermittent fasting is an umbrella term for various eating protocols involving cycling between fasting and non-fasting. There are several different ways to do intermittent fasting.

1. 16/8 Method: The most common approach to fasting is often referred to as the 16/8 method. This involves fasting for 16 hours and eating for 8 hours.
2. 5:2 Diet: The 5:2 involves eating 500-600 calories on two non-consecutive days of the week, and alternate-day fasting, which involves alternating between days of fasting and days of non-fasting. 

Is Intermittent Fasting Effective for Weight Loss?

Some evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can help with weight loss. One study found that participants who followed an intermittent fasting protocol lost 3-8% of their body weight over 12-24 weeks, while those in the control group did not lose any weight. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this study was small and more research is needed to determine whether or not intermittent fasting is truly effective for weight loss. 

Is Intermittent Fasting Safe? 

Most people who practice intermittent fasting do not experience any negative side effects. However, some people should not fast, including pregnant women, children, adolescents, and people with eating disorders and certain medical conditions. If you’re considering trying intermittent fasting, talk to your doctor first to ensure it’s safe for you.

Intermittent fasting has become a popular weight-loss strategy in recent years. But, while the evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can be an effective weight-loss tool, more research is needed. Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning a fasting regimen.