More about intermittent fasting diets

Example of an intermittent diet

An example of an intermittent diet is the 5:2 diet, where you consume food normally for five days of the week and fast for the remaining two days. For example, you could eat normally from Monday to Friday and fast or reduce calories over the weekend.

'Fasting' would involve consuming a maximum of 500 calories if you are a woman, or 600 calories if you are a man.

What does this type of diet claim?

Proponents of the 5:2 diet claim that it can help people increase their lifespan, improve their brain functioning, and protect their bodies against disease.

Studies on humans

According to Medicine Net, ''There are some studies in humans that suggest that the intermittent fasting diet may help promote weight loss and reduce risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and other weight-related health problems.''

A small study in Nutrition and Metabolism (2012) revealed that 30 obese women who followed a liquid intermittent fasting diet lost 4,4 kilograms after a period of eight weeks. In addition, their waistlines were reduced by 5,8 centimetres.

Seek medical advice

If you are overweight or obese, it is advisable to consult your doctor before adopting any diet, as medical conditions and health risks are of vital importance and need to be considered.

1. Prev:Do women gain more stomach fat than men?
2. Next:Help each other lose weight