Intermittent fasting is a popular weight loss strategy that restricts food intake during specific times and has become a trend among many people in India and abroad. But new research presented at an American Heart Association event in Chicago has raised concerns about the long-term health effects.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China and analyzed data from about 20,000 U.S. adults. Participants were asked to recall their eating habits over a 24-hour period and were followed for a median of 8 years and up to 17 years.

The researchers found that people who followed an 8-hour time-restricted eating schedule, a type of intermittent fasting, had a 91% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than people who followed a regular eating pattern. . Victor Zhong, lead author of the study, stressed that the results are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed or published.

Speaking to TOI, Dr. Ashok Seth, Chairman, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, said that while there are many studies on the short-term effects of intermittent fasting, this study evaluated its long-term effects. He said it was one of the first studies. He warned that the study relied on self-reported dietary information, which could introduce bias and inaccuracy.

The study also found that fasting patients were more likely to be young men with higher body mass index (BMI) and food insecurity. They also had lower rates of self-reported hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Despite these findings, the positive association between 8-hour time-restricted eating and cardiovascular mortality remained even after adjusting for these variables.

The findings have sparked debate among experts, with some questioning the study’s methodology and suggesting differences in underlying health status between the fasting people and the comparison group may have influenced the results. There are some too. Despite these limitations, this study highlights the need for further research into the safety and effectiveness of intermittent fasting as a weight loss strategy. In conclusion, while intermittent fasting may offer short-term benefits for weight loss, this study also suggests that it may also pose long-term risks to cardiovascular health. bring. As with any dietary approach, it is essential to consider personal health factors and consult a health care professional before making any major changes to your eating habits.

(With input from TOI)