Intermittent fasting

This article is about intentional fasting. For involuntary fasting, see Starvation. For fasting before a clinical or surgical intervention, see Preoperative fasting.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is any of various meal timing schedules that cycle between voluntary fasting (or reduced calorie intake) and non-fasting over a given period. Methods of intermittent fasting include alternate-day fasting, periodic fasting, such as the 5:2 diet, and daily time-restricted eating.

Intermittent fasting has been studied to find whether it can reduce the risk of diet-related diseases, such as metabolic syndrome. It may improve several health outcomes in overweight or obese adults; its effect on lowering blood pressure appears to be less pronounced than that of continuous energy restriction. There is preliminary evidence that intermittent fasting is generally safe.

Adverse effects of intermittent fasting have not been comprehensively studied, leading some academics to point out its risk as a dietary fad. The United States National Institute on Aging states that current research is limited and inconclusive; they do not recommend intermittent fasting to the general public. The New Zealand Ministry of Health states that intermittent fasting may aid weight loss but is not recommended for people with insulin-dependent diabetes and can cause low energy and hunger.

Fasting exists in various religious practices, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, and Judaism.

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