Obesity is a growing major health problem both in the United States and around the world. It can lead to diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Just losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight can significantly decrease your risk of metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Intermittent fasting is getting more attention as a strategy to lose weight, especially among young people. In animal studies, intermittent fasting showed positive effects and benefits.
Intermittent fasting can also help maintain glucose levels, helping people with type 2 diabetes. This type of fasting has been shown to help recovery of muscle function and decrease the risk of diabetes in obesity patients. It has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on weight loss in young people.
One thing to consider is that most studies related to intermittent fasting have been short term animal studies. The long term effects of this fasting diet on people have not been investigated in details in many scientific studies. For example, one side effect is that 24 hour fasting can affect insulin sensitivity in lean males.
Therefore, the current advice is that if you want to go on an intermittent fasting diet, try to get guidance from dietitians or you doctor to avoid any potential side effects.
There is no doubt that intermittent fasting can have positive effects, as losing weight can decrease the risks of metabolic diseases. Further long-term studies can shed more light on the benefits of intermittent fasting.
Meanwhile, just remember that every pound you take off your weight can have a positive impact on your health.
Reference:
Intermittent Fasting: Potential Bridge of Obesity and Diabetes to Health?