Intermittent fasting is a dietary practice that has attracted many followers around the world, praised for its potential benefits on weight loss and the improvement of various health markers.
However, a recent study published by the American Heart Association issues a significant warning: long-term intermittent fasting, particularly the daily 16/8 model (sixteen hours of fasting for an eight-hour eating window), could be linked to an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular diseases.
According to the initial results of this research, conducted by a team of Chinese and American scientists, followers of this diet would have a 91% higher risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease.
A conclusion that is at least surprising, especially considering that previous studies had highlighted the short-term advantages of intermittent fasting, including an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients.
An unexpected result
Dr. Victor Wenze Zhong, who led the study and is a professor at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, expresses his surprise at these findings.
“We expected that long-term adoption of a diet limited to eight hours would be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular death and even death from all causes. We were surprised to find that this was not the case,” he admits.
The study, which followed around 20,000 adults with an average age of 48 over a median period of eight years before the coronavirus pandemic, also emphasizes that people suffering from cardiovascular diseases or cancer are particularly at risk.
She nonetheless mentions a lower mortality rate due to cancer among individuals who spread their meals over more than sixteen hours.
Caution and Perspective
It is essential to note that, although the study establishes an association between long-term intermittent fasting and an increased risk of cardiovascular death, it does not prove a direct causality.
“This does not mean that a diet limited in time has led to a cardiovascular death,” the researcher reminds. These nuances are crucial for correctly interpreting the results.
This warning raises important questions about the sustainability and safety of long-term intermittent fasting regimens. Individuals suffering from pre-existing conditions, in particular, should approach this practice with caution and always consult a health professional before changing their diet.
Although intermittent fasting may offer short term benefits for some people, this study reminds us of the importance of considering the potential long term effects on cardiovascular health. As always, a balanced and personalized approach to dieting is essential for promoting a long and healthy life.