Does intermittent fasting work?
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What’s the best way to lose weight? Lots of people swear by intermittent fasting, the idea that you don’t restrict what you eat but when you eat it. There are many versions of this diet and it actually does seem to work. But the most committed fasters reckon it does more than just drop the pounds—restricting your eating, they say, could also boost your metabolic health and even lower your susceptibility to diseases. Is this true?
This is where our new column, Well informed, can help. Every week we take one question or idea that might be making headlines or being discussed around dinner tables or at the school gates, and subject it to the full glare of our scientific analysis. We’ve written on everything from strength training to smartphones to ice baths to the best way to deal with jet lag. With a clear understanding of what the evidence really says, we hope you can make better-informed decisions about your life. If you already subscribe to The Economist, sign up to our newsletter, Simply Science, to keep tabs on the latest column.
Alok Jha, Science and technology editor
Editor’s picks
It does for weight loss. Its other supposed benefits are debatable
You’ll stay healthier for longer if you’re strong
They won’t hurt. Actually they might, a bit
Scientists are only beginning to understand the links between the breath and the mind
What the early evidence suggests about the effect on students
Little is known about the effects on humans—but limiting exposure to them seems prudent
It can help. But it depends where you’re going
Yes, but the benefits won’t last
Finance and Accounting Professional Problem-Solver
7 小时前Like any lifestyle around food... it works along as it is done on a regular basis. Regular water intake will help lose weight even without the regular food schedule, and going to sleep right after eating has not been advisable unless you are hypoglycemic.
CEO of BIG Manns Enterprise ? Real Estate Investor (Wholesale, Fix N Flip, Buy N Hold, Commercial Acquisition) ? Digital Sales & Marketing Creator ? Aspiring Podcast Creator ? MLO NMLS #2152820 ? Online Stock Trader
14 小时前The Economist "Great insights from The Economist! I've also experimented with intermittent fasting and found that beyond weight loss, the energy boost is a game-changer. One thing I've noticed is that food quality plays a massive role—fueling up on nutrient-dense meals makes all the difference. ?? ?? ??
Studente presso il Liceo Scientifico Galileo Galilei
14 小时前Intermittent fasting works to lose weight, but its extra benefits are still debated. Science suggests that it can influence metabolism, but it is not a miracle solution. Like any diet, long-term sustainability matters more than any fad of the moment.
Senior Advisor Real Estate (Self-employed). Accompagno le persone nei loro progetti immobiliari, lasciando a loro la parte migliore dell'esperienza.
15 小时前Not really a diet.
Growth Strategy / Co-founder at Lignes.ca
15 小时前I've been fasting twice a week for the past 8 years, limiting my calorie intake on these 2 days, and It's been a game-changer for my overall health! On top of excess weight loss, I've noticed significant health benefits. It has helped reduce my sickness frequency and speed up recovery when I'm ill. My asthma has also improved. I see it as body maintenance and it's been a game-changer for my overall health! The trick is to sleep early on fasting days to avoid munching. Surprisingly, after a fasting day, the next morning you're not hungry, unlike what people may think.