Intermittent Fasting Once Held the Throne of Diets, But New Study Reveals a Twist
A new study has found that intermittent fasting, where you eat only within an 8-hour window each day, may actually increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
This result comes from a joint research team at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China and Northwestern University in the United States, who tracked about 19,000 American adults over 8 years.
The group that ate for less than 8 hours a day had a 135% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease compared to the group that ate for 12 to 14 hours a day.
Prolonged Fasting May Be Fatal for the Heart
Intermittent fasting typically involves eating for 8 hours and fasting for 16 hours each day.
It has been known to help with weight loss and metabolic improvements by burning carbohydrates and then fat.
However, according to this new study, prolonged fasting is likely to harm heart health.
The risk was especially pronounced among smokers, people with diabetes, and those with cardiovascular disease.
"Fasting Is Not a Universal Health Solution," Experts Warn
■ Professor Victor Wenze Zheng, lead researcher:
"These findings challenge the conventional wisdom that intermittent fasting is a harmless health practice."
■ Indian endocrinologist Anoop Misra also issued a warning:
Long-term side effects may include nutritional imbalance, increased cholesterol, excessive hunger, and headaches.
Especially for people with diabetes, there is a higher risk of hypoglycemia, binge eating, and increased consumption of junk food.
What Matters Is 'What' You Eat, Not Just 'When'
Previous studies have also reported side effects of intermittent fasting:
A 2020 study in JAMA found that while weight was reduced, the rate of muscle loss was higher.
Dehydration, decreased concentration, and headaches were also reported as side effects.
■ Expert opinions:
"It's not about completely banning intermittent fasting,
but it should be chosen carefully based on one's individual health status."
■ The research team also emphasized:
"What you eat is more important than when you eat."
Key Points
■ Simply reducing fasting time is not the key to better health.
■ If you are at risk for heart disease, you need to be especially cautious.
■ Prioritize a balanced nutritional intake and a healthy diet!
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Edit Maeng Jiae mjiae@asiae.co.kr
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Reporter Park Eunseo rloseo8@asiae.co.kr
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