LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Intermittent fasting has surged in popularity as a dietary strategy, with a range of methods—from limiting food intake to specific hours each day to undertaking full-day fasts.
While studies indicate that this approach can aid some individuals in weight loss and may provide other health advantages, medical professionals assert that it might not suit everyone.
Experts emphasize that intermittent fasting primarily concentrates on the timing of meals rather than the types of foods consumed.
Registered dietitian Tara Collingwood summarizes the concept: “You consume food only during a designated number of hours each day.”
Over 13% of Americans have experimented with intermittent fasting, with many unintentionally adopting this pattern through busy schedules.
“I’ve engaged in fasting, and I believe it’s quite effective,” said Rhonda Roebuck.
“There are days when I’m preoccupied and skip lunch, which unintentionally leads to intermittent fasting,” added Daniel Tamae.
A frequent method of intermittent fasting is known as time-restricted eating (TRE). While it can assist people in reducing their overall intake, recent research from Germany indicates it does not enhance metabolic health.
Collingwood pointed out that meal timing is significant.
“Eating later in the day is generally worse for your metabolism and increases disease risk,” she noted.
A study by the American Heart Association revealed that eight-hour time-restricted eating is associated with a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular mortality.
Moreover, while longer fasting periods—such as abstaining from food for four days or more—may boost cognitive functions, shorter fasting durations seem ineffective, particularly for individuals experiencing cognitive decline.
Roebuck mentioned that fasting may pose more challenges as people age.
“As you grow older, the risk of diabetes increases, making fasting difficult for some individuals,” she explained.
Uncertainties also persist regarding the long-term impact on weight loss. Collingwood highlighted that the long-term consequences of intermittent fasting remain unclear and emphasized the importance of monitoring overall calorie consumption.
“Weight loss is primarily due to calorie reduction, rather than solely eating during a shorter timeframe,” she stated.
Emerging research on fasting’s influence on cancer is also underway. A 2025 study in the British Journal of Cancer suggests that a pattern of normal eating for five days followed by two days of restricted intake may slightly hinder the progression of metastatic breast cancer.
Tamae, a chemistry professor conducting research in this area, noted the scientific rationale behind investigating this connection.
“Some tumors rely on glucose metabolism, so there’s a valid scientific basis for this inquiry,” he remarked.
Additional studies involving cancer patients suggest that intermittent fasting may alleviate some side effects of chemotherapy, and numerous ongoing investigations are exploring this phenomenon.
Before embarking on an intermittent fasting regimen, healthcare providers advise consulting with a physician, especially for those with diabetes or other specific health concerns.
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