A groundbreaking new study has raised alarms about the popular intermittent fasting diet, revealing that individuals who practice this eating pattern may face a significantly higher risk of heart disease. Based on the latest research findings, those who alternate between eating and fasting during specific hours could be jeopardizing their cardiovascular health. Curious about the details? Read on to find out more about the potential dangers of intermittent fasting and what you should know!
While there are various approaches to it, the question of whether intermittent fasting is healthy is one of the most debated topics.
Intermittent fasting involves consuming food during specific time intervals and fasting during others. This is typically practiced in an 8-hour eating window followed by 16 hours of fasting.
First, let’s look at one of the studies conducted in the United States. Between 2003 and 2018, the eating habits of approximately 20,000 people were analyzed. It was found that those who followed an 8-hour eating habit had a 91% higher risk of dying from heart disease compared to those with normal eating patterns.
Scientists have discovered that people with chronic diseases or cancer have an increased risk of death when they follow time-restricted diets. This diet was observed to substantially elevate the death risk, particularly in those with heart disease and cancer.
This finding aligns with a previous clinical study indicating that those practicing intermittent fasting experience greater muscle loss. Preserving muscle as one ages helps protect against falls and injuries and supports metabolic health. While Zhong notes that low muscle mass is associated with high mortality rates, especially from heart disease, he emphasizes that these findings are not definitive.