New Study Finds Potential Health Risks Associated with Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting, also known as time-restricted eating, focuses on when you eat rather than what you eat. While there have been previous suggestions of benefits such as weight loss and reduced blood pressure, recent research is raising concerns.
A study presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions in Chicago revealed a potential link between intermittent fasting and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine found that limiting food consumption to less than eight hours per day could lead to a 91 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death.
Although this analysis has yet to undergo peer review and formal publication, it drew data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study surveyed 20,000 adults about their dietary habits over two days and tracked incidences of cardiovascular disease-related deaths over eight years.
Co-author Victor Wenze Zhong emphasized that while short-term intermittent fasting might offer benefits like weight loss and improved cardiometabolic health, long-term practices should be approached with caution. Zhong highlighted a potential link between limited eating windows and lower lean muscle mass, which is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular death.
Dr. Benjamin Horne from Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City echoed concerns about fasting, suggesting that it could elevate stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, potentially contributing to heart-related issues.
