Fast-Mimicking Diet (FMD): The Secret to Rejuvenating Your Body?

Imagine if you could diet for just five days a month and see results. Results that extend far beyond weight loss and promise to “rejuvenate” your body at a cellular level. This is the basis of the fast-mimicking diet, also known as FMD.

Intermittent fasting has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, with programs like the 5:2 diet and time restricted eating receiving endorsements from celebrities and nutritionists around the world. All of these different diet plans are characterized by a cycle of fasting and feeding on a regular, cyclical schedule. But unlike most other fasting diets, which rotate on a daily or weekly basis, the FMD revolves around a monthly cycle.

“It’s really another form of intermittent fasting but it’s unique in the sense in the way it is organized,” said Adam Collins, associate professor of nutrition at the University of Surrey in the U.K.

What is the Fast-Mimicking Diet (FMD)?

The FMD diet, designed by gerontology professor Valter Longo, consists of five days of restricted eating, where calorie consumption is kept at around 700 calories per day. “The FMD is a low calorie nutrition program that lasts 5 days with a specific low sugar, low protein, high-fat plant-based composition, designed to match or surpass the effects of water-only fasting, without the safety and compliance issues,” explained Longo, director of the Longevity Institute of the University of Southern California.

“For people without [specific] diseases, it is designed to be used for only 5 days for 2 to 3 times per year (10 to 15 days per year [in total]) and otherwise not impose a lifestyle change.”

Why is the FMD Different?

Research conducted by the University of Surrey compared the health benefits of intermittent fasting to other diets. The 5:2 diet, which involves restricted eating twice a week, did not result in faster weight loss compared to more traditional energy restriction approaches. However, significant differences in metabolic markers were observed between the two groups.

Intermittent fasting leverages the natural cycle of feeding and fasting in our metabolism, leading to a shift in energy utilization from carbohydrates to body fat. This shift, combined with a cellular process called autophagy (breaking down and recycling old cells), is attributed to the rejuvenating effects of the FMD and is associated with various metabolic and health benefits.

Impressive Results of the FMD

Preliminary studies have suggested various benefits of the FMD, including reducing inflammation, improving cognition, reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease, and possibly protecting against Alzheimer’s. In fact, a recent study published in Nature Communications by Longo’s team showed the potential for the FMD to potentially reverse biological aging, resulting in a median biological age decrease of 2.5 years among participants.

While the study’s positive results may be partly attributable to weight loss, further research is needed to validate these findings and understand the long-term effects of the FMD. Larger-scale human studies are required to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this diet’s impact and to determine if these findings can be extended to a wider population.

Who is Best Suited For a FMD?

The FMD may be especially suitable for individuals who are overweight or obese, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, fatty liver, pre-diabetes or high blood sugar, and high inflammation markers, according to Longo. However, it is essential to exercise caution and seek medical advice before embarking on any diet, especially for individuals with medical conditions, disordered eating history, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Ultimately, whether the FMD or another approach is chosen, it is crucial to prioritize a balanced diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being and longevity.

Do you have questions about the FMD or is there a health problem that’s worrying you? Let us know, and our experts may provide advice and feature your story on our platform.