By now, you’ve probably heard about intermittent fasting, also known as IF, the buzzy diet trend that seems to be a magic bullet for weight loss – even according to actual medical professionals (and of course Kourtney Kardashian).
According to its proponents, intermittent fasting does more than help you lose weight. Its benefits are also said to include better brain and heart health, a decrease in blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, and even increased longevity.
So, you’re probably either saying “Sign me up!” or “What’s the catch?”
What exactly is intermittent fasting?
Benefits and risks of intermittent fasting
IF sounds amazing, right? Eat what you like, lose weight, and get healthy all at the same time? However, nothing is perfect, and, like everything else, IF has its disadvantages — and even dangers.
“There are certain people who shouldn’t consider fasting in any form,” says Sara Jackson, registered nutritional therapist and naturopath. “These include children, type 1 diabetics, diabetics using insulin, and anyone who is pregnant or thinking about trying to conceive, or is breastfeeding.”
Additionally, many experts worry that IF can be a danger to those already vulnerable to disordered eating. “Intermittent fasting is a gateway to an eating disorder,” stated Evelyn Tribole, registered dietitian and co-author of Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works.
The Center For Discovery, an eating disorder clinic, also warns of the dangers of IF. “You should avoid fasting altogether if you are at risk of an eating disorder,” they cautioned.
"Intermittent fasting could be problematic for individuals with bingeing issues, or anyone who might have trouble controlling how much they’re eating on the non-fasting days,” Rene Ficek, RDN, CDE, and lead nutrition expert at Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating, told CafeMom.com. "Also, people practicing this diet may feel light-headed, dizzy, tired, and nauseated, and their workouts may suffer."
If you’re still tempted to try the intermittent fasting lifestyle, your first step — as with any diet regimen or change to your normal eating routine — should be discussing the pros and cons of the IF diet with your medical provider. After that, give it a try. You just may be one of the many people who’ve lost weight and improved their health with the help of intermittent fasting.
