One popular form of intermittent fasting, the 16:8 diet, may be linked to a higher risk of death from heart disease. This is suggested by a new study. To be more specific, the researchers found that people who reported eating in a window less than 8 hours a day, compared to those who reported eating 12 to 16 hours a day, had a nearly double the risk of dying from disease. cardiac. However, the study design raises questions about the strength of this conclusion, and more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of time-restricted food consumption.
The study on intermittent fasting
The study, presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention|Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2024, analyzed data from more than 20,000 adults in the United States. The researchers found that those who consumed all of their daily calories within an 8-hour window had a 91% greater risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who ate within a 12-16 hour window.
Worrying results, but the study remains to be completed
These findings are in contrast to many previous studies finding benefits of time-restricted eating for cardiovascular and metabolic health. The complete study has not yet been published, it is currently in progress (March 19, 2024). peer review (critical evaluation that a work or publication receives from specialists with similar skills to those of the person who produced the work). Meanwhile, differences in the baseline characteristics of time-limited consumption groups may emerge that could explain these unique findings. In any case, although these findings are concerning, it is essential to consider the limitations of the study.
The limits of the American study
For one thing, the research relied on participants’ self-reported dietary information, which may not always accurately reflect their eating patterns. Additionally, the study did not take into account factors such as the nutrient quality of participants’ diets or other lifestyle factors that could strongly influence cardiovascular health.
The conflicting results compared to previous research highlighting the potential benefits of intermittent fasting, such as improved blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, highlight the need for more rigorous, long-term studies to fully understand the effect of fasting. time-limited nutrition on general health.
Let’s start from here
Despite their limitations, however, the research results also have some merits for developing further investigations:
1. First, there is little long-term human research on intermittent fasting, so studies like this are crucial to deepening our understanding of the practice;
2. This study is an excellent example of how short-term results do not always guarantee a long-term beneficial impact;
3. It may be that intermittent fasting helps people lose weight in the short term and improves some metabolic markers, but does not provide lasting cardiovascular benefits.
In any case, what is clear is that it is not so much how much we fast or the calorie deficit, but rather the quality of our nutrition in the window of time in which we eat and our lifestyle!
So, intermittent fasting yes or no?
The recommendation is always to consult a health specialist before starting any form of intermittent fasting who can analyze wellness goals and health values. What counts on our well-being is above all how we feed ourselves and move every day!
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Photo: Marta Baffi