Some studies suggest blood pressure and heart health improvements, but more research is needed to understand these benefits.

Intermittent fastingis a way of eating that involves periods of fasting that alternate with eating windows.

It is not the same as fasting for other reasons, such as having a blood test.

A person checks the time on their watch

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Different methods vary in fasting periods and restrictions on what you might eat and drink.

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Why Do People Start Intermittent Fasting?

BMI is a dated and flawed measure.

It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.

Some studies have shown promising results for the health benefits of intermittent fasting beyond weight loss.

What Is Metabolism?

Metabolismrefers to all of the chemical processes or changes that occur in the body at the cellular level.

Methods

There are several different methods of intermittent fasting.

They vary in their timing patterns and food intake restrictions.

This method is similar to the 5:2 fasting diet.

The study also found people with heart disease or cancer also had an increased risk of cardiovascular death.

Possible Risks in Males vs. ## Summary

Intermittent fasting (IF) involves periods of fasting alternating with periods of eating.

There are several methods of IF with variations in the amount of time spent fasting versus eating.

Benefits may include weight loss, disease prevention or management, or improved metabolism, and brain health.

Talk with your healthcare provider about intermittent fasting.

It can present risks to people with certain medical conditions like diabetes, or who take medications with food.

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American Heart Association.8-hour time-restricted eating linked to a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death.