Intermittent Fasting: Safe or Dangerous?

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SEOUL - Intermittent fasting,a popular diet trend involving cycling between eating and fasting periods,may carry important health risks,according to recent research. While proponents tout its benefits for weight loss and metabolic health, a new study raises concerns about its potential link to cardiovascular disease.



The study, presented at a recent american Heart Association conference, analyzed data from over 19,000 adults and found that those who restricted their eating window to less than eight hours per day had a 135% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to those who ate over a 12-14 hour window. This heightened risk remained even after researchers adjusted for factors such as age,sex,lifestyle,and pre-existing health conditions.

"The intermittent fasting has become one of the hottest diet trends in the last decade," the original article stated.

While the study does not establish a direct causal relationship between intermittent fasting and cardiovascular disease, the findings raise vital questions about the long-term safety of this dietary approach. Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of intermittent fasting.

"It is unexpectedly discovered that maintaining a short time for less than eight hours has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease death."

The findings contradict earlier studies suggesting that intermittent fasting could improve metabolism, promote cell recovery, and extend lifespan. However, nutritionists have long cautioned that skipping meals may not be a worldwide solution and could be harmful for individuals with underlying health issues.

Intermittent fasting typically involves restricting eating to an eight-hour window each day, with the remaining 16 hours dedicated to fasting. Other variations,such as the 5:2 diet,involve limiting calorie intake on specific days of the week.



The study participants provided dietary recall data, detailing their food and beverage consumption over a two-week period.Researchers used this information to estimate their average meal timing and assess long-term eating habits.

The study revealed that individuals who consumed all their meals within an eight-hour window were 91% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to those who ate over a 12-14 hour period. This increased risk was observed across various socioeconomic backgrounds and was particularly pronounced in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as smoking, diabetes, and heart disease.

Victor Wenz, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Shanghai, China, noted the surprising link between diet and cardiovascular mortality, given that diet is a major contributor to diabetes and heart disease.

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Anul Mizra, an endocrine authority in India, highlighted both the potential benefits and drawbacks of intermittent fasting. Benefits may include weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure and lipid levels, and reduced inflammation. However, potential disadvantages include nutrient deficiencies, increased cholesterol, excessive hunger, irritability, headaches, and challenges with long-term sustainability.

For individuals with diabetes, intermittent fasting may pose risks of fluctuating blood sugar levels and potential overconsumption of unhealthy foods during eating periods.Elderly individuals and those with chronic diseases may experience increased weakness or muscle loss.

Previous studies have also raised concerns about intermittent fasting, with one study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finding that participants did not experience significant weight loss and were prone to muscle loss. Other studies have linked intermittent fasting to side effects such as breakdown, hunger, dehydration, headaches, and impaired concentration.

Professor Jong advises caution for individuals with heart disease or diabetes when considering an eight-hour eating window. He emphasizes the importance of personalized guidelines based on individual health profiles and accumulating scientific evidence.

Professor Jong suggests that "what to eat" may be more important than "when to eat," particularly for cardiovascular disease prevention and longevity. He recommends considering dietary approaches that do not restrict meal times to eight hours.

The study's implications suggest a need for individualized approaches to intermittent fasting, considering individual risk factors. Until more conclusive evidence emerges, prioritizing diet quality over strict time restrictions may be the safest approach.