Intermittent Fasting and Weight Loss

Fasting has been around for thousands of years and can be done for several reasons, some of which include religion, weight loss, etc. The word fasting means to abstain all food and or drinks.

Fasting makes intuitive sense, if we don't eat then nothing gets turned into fat.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is very effective at lowering fat, cholesterol, blood pressure...in mice.

though study's also show that IF is effective in humans as well. And according to Harvard Health Publishing " a growing body of research suggests that the timing of the fast is key, and can make IF a more realistic, sustainable, and effective approach for weight loss, as well as for diabetes prevention. "

it is called Intermittent fasting for a reason, that is because you fast for short periods of time (one day).

Another study took a group of overweight men and compared a form of IF called "Early Time - Restricted Eating" which is essentially when you take all meals and fit them into an early 8 hour period between 7am - 3pm or spread out over 24 hours. After five weeks, the group had dramatically lower insulin levels and significantly improved insulin sensitivity, as well as lower blood pressure.

So yes, if done properly IF can be an effective form of weight loss. but not as great as the good ol gym!

Information curtsy of Harvard Health Publishing