Intermittent fasting is currently one of the world’s most popular dieting/health trends. But what does it involve and should you try it?

What?

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you alternate between periods of eating and fasting. It does not prescribe what to eat, but rather when you should eat.

Most people already “fast” every day, while they sleep. Intermittent fasting can be as simple as extending that fast a little longer by skipping breakfast, eating your first meal at noon and your last meal at 8 pm. Then you’re technically fasting for 16 hours every day, and restricting your eating to an 8-hour eating window. There are many other stricter versions of intermittent fasting such as a 24-hour fast where you don’t eat anything from dinner until dinner the next day; and the 5:2 Diet: where for two days of the week, you eat only about 500–600 calories.

Why?

Many people fast on occasion for religious reasons, but intermittent fasting is largely chosen for weight loss. The belief is that after 12 to 24 hours of starvation, the body starts to burn fat. Some also claim other health benefits such as lowered cholesterol or blood pressure, although there is not much long term scientific evidence to confirm these benefits.

The verdict?

While it is possible to lose weight from this method, it can be hard to maintain, and the weight can quickly pile back on. Also, intermittent fasting may not be safe for everyone. The health professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, under 18s, or those at risk of an eating disorder, such as bulimia or compulsive overeating. Fasting can lead to an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, which can cause food cravings and binging. Since fasting can boost stress levels, it can also disrupt your sleep patterns, and lead to irritability, tiredness, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, most qualified dieticians believe that a balanced eating plan is the healthiest option for long term weight loss.

Please consult your doctor, dietician or call LifeAssist for guidance on weight loss options and what may be best for you.

Written by LifeAssist