Sodiq Ojuroungbe Though intermittent fasting has been promoted by diet fads and health enthusiasts as one of the best ways to lose weight, a recent study presented at an American Heart Association conference has raised concerns about its potential risks, linking it to a higher likelihood of death from cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart-related conditions. The findings garnered immediate attention, which was met with scepticism by some medical professionals, who highlighted the study’s limitations. According to a health website, Mayo Link, intermittent fasting is any of the various meal timing schedules that cycle between voluntary fasting and non-fasting over a given period.
It noted that methods of intermittent fasting include alternate-day fasting, periodic fasting, such as the 16:8 diet, and daily time-restricted eating. While intermittent fasting has gained popularity as a weight-loss strategy, the new research suggested a potential downside to this dietary approach. The study revealed that individuals who fasted for extended periods were more prone to cardiovascular-related deaths compared to those who consumed food throughout the day.
The researchers found that people who followed a 16:8 diet or ate only within an eight-hour window had a 91 per cent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to people who ate across 12 or 16 hours. In carrying out the study, the researchers reviewed information from over 20,000 U.S.
adults enrolled between 2003.
