Trendy Weight Loss Diet Linked to Higher Death Risk, Study Finds

A recent study in the United States has caused concern for the long-term safety of intermittent fasting. It is one of the most popular trending weight loss methods in recent years. Researchers discovered that adults who took in most of their food in an 8-hour eating window. They were at a greater risk of dying from cardiovascular-related deaths up to 135% when compared to a person who eats for 12-14 hours a day. The findings challenge the previous consensus that intermittent fasting was safe for everyone.

This information has exploded onto the health news scene especially with support from tech moguls, celebrities, and influencers as an effortless lifestyle change with a big impact.

Results From Long-Term Studies

The study was published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews and featured by ScienceDirect. They analyzed data from over 19,000 U.S. adults collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from, 2003 to 2018. Participants were followed for an average of eight years to ensure accurate mortality data was collected. The findings demonstrated that being limited to eating within an 8-hour time window daily was associated with an elevated risk of mortal cardiovascular disease (compared to the other groups).

These findings were consistent regardless of age, sex, race, income, and other lifestyle habits.
These findings indeed posed an additional risk factor to smokers, people with diabetes, and individuals with existing heart disease, suggesting that extreme fasting could lead to extreme vulnerability.

According to Professor Victor Wenze Zhong, study lead and researcher from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. While a few days of fasting, based on smaller studies, might have some heart benefits, but the long-term study results should be more alarming.

Study Limitations

Experts pointed out that the evidence was observational – meaning the study does not explain causation. Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar (Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad) said pre-existing conditions or poor dietary self-reporting may have distorted health outcome measures.

For example, persons with pre-existing conditions are likely to eat less food, likely skewing results.
Still, scientists did go to lengths to perform several sensitivity analyses. Even so the association remains between eating for periods of less time with increased cardiovascular mortality.

Importantly, study authors reported no strong association between intermittent fasting with all-cause mortality or cancer mortality hinting any risks are confined to cardiovascular problems.

Mixed Evidence About Health Benefits

Endocrinologist Dr. Anoop Misra outlined benefits like weight loss, greater tolerance to insulin, decreases in blood pressure and inflammation. He warned of several risks including the potential for nutrient deficiencies, moodiness, and risks for older people or anyone with diseases/problems already.

There is supporting research for this caution. A 2020 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine actually found that intermittent fasting resulted in very little weight loss, mostly muscle mass rather than fat mass. They also saw side effects such as headaches, fatigue, and impaired attention.

These differences suggest that intermittent fasting is not for everyone. Long-term safety might still not be known.

A Middle Ground

Recent research does not suggest we eliminate intermittent fasting altogether. However, it does note a general understanding of moderation. Health experts argue for a standard eating window of 10–12 hours, which has many of the same health benefits, but perhaps less risk.

Physicians recommend that, until we have stronger evidence, we simply think about what we eat, not necessarily when we eat. Healthy eating habits consisting of whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables are still a crucial pillar for better health.

This study sparks a dialog around the world. It reinforces the significance of eating in an individualized manner and without the need for fad diets.