New Study Reveals Risks of Intermittent Fasting for Heart Health

Intermittent fasting (IF) and time-restricted eating (TRE) have gained immense popularity as methods for weight loss. However, a recent study published in the journal Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews has raised significant concerns regarding their potential health risks. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 adults in the United States and found that those who restricted their eating to a window of less than 8 hours per day faced a 135% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to individuals who consumed food over a more standard period of 12–14 hours.

The findings suggest that while shorter fasting periods may assist in weight loss, they could inadvertently increase the risk of heart-related issues in the long term. Notably, the researchers emphasized that their results indicate an association rather than definitive proof that intermittent fasting directly leads to these health risks.

In an editorial accompanying the study, Dr. Anoop Misra, Editor-in-Chief of the journal and a leading endocrinologist in India, urged caution rather than panic. He acknowledged the benefits of intermittent fasting, stating, “Intermittent fasting is simple, low-cost, and shows promise for weight loss and blood sugar control. But enthusiasm should be tempered with careful risk assessment.” Dr. Misra recommended that fasting practices should remain individualized and supervised, primarily utilized for short-term goals until more long-term data become available.

Research has indicated that intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss, improved blood sugar control, reduced blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, fasting may diminish inflammation, a key factor linked to numerous chronic diseases. Despite these benefits, the practice is not without risks. Individuals may encounter nutrient deficiencies, headaches, irritability, or digestive issues. For those with diabetes, fasting could result in dangerous drops in blood sugar levels, while older adults may experience exacerbated frailty or muscle loss due to prolonged fasting.

Contrastingly, another paper published in the same journal highlighted that intermittent fasting could enhance blood sugar control and metabolism in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This indicates that the effects of fasting may vary significantly across different populations and fasting styles.

Researcher Victor Wenze Zhong, senior author of the study, stated, “Our study provides the first evidence that individuals eating within an 8-hour window were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. People should be extremely cautious about adopting such short eating windows over years, since we don’t yet have human studies proving long-term safety.”

The key takeaways from both the study and Dr. Misra’s editorial underscore the need for careful consideration regarding the adoption of intermittent fasting. Dr. Misra succinctly summarized the findings, stating, “Obesity and diabetes need urgent solutions, but fasting is not a magic bullet. It can help some, harm others. The key is balance, supervision, and personalization.” With the growing popularity of intermittent fasting, these insights serve as a crucial reminder to weigh the benefits against potential risks.