New Study Warns of Heart Risks Linked to Intermittent Fasting

New Delhi, August 25 (TNA) Intermittent fasting, a diet trend that has gained immense popularity worldwide for weight loss and metabolic health, has now come under fresh scientific scrutiny. A recent study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome suggests that following a restrictive eating window of less than eight hours per day may significantly increase the risk of death from heart disease.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting involves restricting food intake to a fixed window of time while fasting during the remaining hours. Popular patterns include 12:12 (12 hours eating, 12 hours fasting), 14:10, and the widely practised 16:8 model, where individuals fast for 16 hours and consume all meals within an eight-hour window.

Study Findings

According to the study, individuals who consistently fast for 16 hours or more daily—eating within an eight-hour window—showed a 135% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

The findings are based on data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), covering over 19,000 American adults. Interestingly, the study did not find significant associations between intermittent fasting and mortality from cancer or other causes. The elevated heart risk remained consistent across different groups, regardless of race, income level, or lifestyle choices.

Benefits and Risks

Previous studies on intermittent fasting have highlighted several advantages, such as:

• Weight loss

• Improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels

• Reduced inflammation

• Better control of blood pressure

However, experts also caution about potential downsides, including nutritional deficiencies, irritability, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sustaining the diet in the long run.

Expert Warning

Lead researcher Dr. Victor Wenze Zhong emphasised that long-term human studies are still lacking. He warned that adopting 16-hour fasting windows for years, solely for heart health or longevity, could be dangerous. “People should be careful before committing to such prolonged fasting patterns without comprehensive medical advice,” Zhong noted.