Experts said that while the study’s data is not conclusive, it does show the risks of intermittent fasting and that such diets should not be undertaken without consulting a doctor.

What did you look for in your research?

Intermittent fasting is essentially a time-restricted diet in which the daily calories are consumed over an 8-12 hour period, with participants fasting for the rest of the day.

Studies that followed participants who followed these diets for short periods of time (3 months to 1 year) have shown benefits such as weight loss, increased insulin sensitivity, and better diabetes control. Recently published data sought to examine the long-term effects of intermittent fasting by following 20,000 adults from a US database for 8 to 17 years.

They found that people who ate their entire meal in less than eight hours a day had a 91% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Among people who already had heart disease, intermittent fasting increased the risk of death from heart disease or stroke by 66%.

Why can intermittent fasting be harmful?

Anoop Misra, director of Fortis Diabetes and Allied Sciences Hospital in New Delhi, gave some explanations.

First, people may binge on high-calorie foods during mealtimes.

“One of the main reasons this diet is so popular is because people believe they can eat whatever they want within eight hours. Eating pizza or hamburgers for only eight hours a day is It’s not as healthy as eating throughout the day. We also found that diets that restrict calories at every meal lead to weight loss as well,” Dr. Misra said.

A review of intermittent fasting by Harvard University found that 12 clinical trials comparing fasting groups with continuous calorie restriction groups found no significant differences in weight loss outcomes.

Second, Dr. Misra said, long-term intermittent fasting can cause a seesaw effect that is not ideal for a healthy heart. “Every time you consume a meal, your blood sugar levels spike. People with flat insulin release lines have better cardiovascular disease outcomes than those with fluctuating lines,” he said.

What do experts say about this study?

First, the data was presented at a conference and has not yet been peer-reviewed.

Second, less is known about the methodology used to reach the conclusions.

Dr. VK Bahl, Head of Cardiac Sciences, Max Hospital and former Head of Cardiology, AIIMS New Delhi, said: Additionally, researchers appear to rely on questionnaires to determine dietary patterns. The problem is that food memory is pretty bad and most people can’t say what they ate or when they ate it a few days ago. ”

Third, and most importantly, the numbers presented include whether participants have diabetes, are taking medications to manage diabetes, and are taking cardioprotective medications. It doesn’t take into account whether or not you’re on a good eating and exercise schedule. Dr. Misra pointed out.

What does existing research say about intermittent fasting?

Studies show that intermittent fasting helps burn fat, improves metabolism, improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, and induces essential cellular functions that may improve gut health. It has been done for many years.

A study published last year said that intermittent fasting improves autophagy, the process by which the body removes damaged cellular components, and can help improve conditions such as cancer. Another early animal study points to the benefits of intermittent fasting against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Meanwhile, a Cochrane review of studies on dieting found that intermittent fasting can lead to more weight loss when compared to a regular diet over three months, but not when compared to an energy-restricted diet. It turns out not to be. The diet also did not lead to further weight loss over long periods of up to 12 months.

Additionally, a Harvard review found that shedding rates after intermittent fasting were similar to those during calorie-restricted diets, indicating that intermittent fasting is no easier to maintain than a regular diet. It says that there is.

There are no long-term studies showing the effects of intermittent fasting on diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease.

Who should do it and how?

Experts say intermittent fasting isn’t suitable for everyone. Young people under the age of 25 and pregnant women should not continue intermittent fasting due to the high caloric requirements. Long-term diabetics should also not rely on high doses of drugs or insulin. Dr. Barr said people with heart conditions should also not follow this rule.

Another important thing is to follow your circadian clock. Meal times should not be delayed to later in the day so that people can continue eating late into the evening.