Intermittent Fasting Under Scrutiny: new research Questions Health Benefits
LONDON – The popular intermittent fasting diet is facing increased scrutiny as emerging research challenges long-held beliefs about its positive effects on heart and metabolic health. A growing body of evidence suggests the potential downsides, including muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and adverse effects for individuals with pre-existing conditions, may outweigh the benefits.
For months, intermittent fasting has been touted for its ability to promote weight loss and improve metabolic markers. Though, recent findings contradict this narrative.
endocrinology Specialist Anoop Misra, writing in a recent publication, outlined both the advantages and disadvantages of the diet. He noted that numerous trials and analyses have demonstrated intermittent fasting’s potential in areas such as weight loss, increased insulin sensitivity, and improved blood pressure and lipid profiles. Misra also highlighted its simplicity and adaptability to cultural and religious fasting practices,as well as its potential for blood sugar control without strict calorie counting.
Despite these potential benefits,Misra cautioned against potential drawbacks,including “deficiencies in nutritious substances,increased cholesterol,excessive hunger,nervousness,headaches and less compliance with the method over time.” he specifically warned that, “in diabetic patients, intermittent fasts without blood sugar [monitoring] may cause blood sugar to fall dangerously and can bring junk food consumption during eaten times. In older adults with chronic diseases, fasting may increase fragility and accelerate muscle loss.”
This isn’t the first questioning of the method. A three-month study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2020 revealed that most participants using intermittent fasting experienced weight loss primarily from muscle mass. Another study identified side effects such as weakness, hunger, thirst, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Considering these studies, Prof. Zhong recommends caution for individuals with heart disease or diabetes considering limiting their eating window to eight hours a day. He advocates for “personalized” nutritional approaches tailored to individual health status, stating, “On the basis of the current evidence, it seems more notable to focus on what people eat. At least people should rethink those who adopt the eight-hour nutrition interval for a long time in order to extend their lives or avoid cardiovascular diseases.”
