Intermittent Fasting: Does It Work?

Does intermittent fasting help you to lose weight?

Intermittent fasting is not necessarily the lasted “fad diet” because it’s been around for some time. Paleo and Keto diets, for example, have adopted this practice as an extension of its dietary list of do’s and don’ts.

Intermittent fasting for weight loss is mainly about the frequency in which you are eating and not so much about what it is you are putting into your mouth –although there are a few dieticians and nutritionists who might argue differently.

Let’s take a closer look at what the meaning of intermittent fasting is and whether it works for weight loss results.

What is Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is consuming meals and fluids like water or meals at distinct times during the day but purposefully steering clear of sweeteners or sugars.

Intermittent Fasting Methods

The approach you use for your intermittent fasting regimen may vary. Research has not yet deemed one particular method as being the best way for positive results. However, experts agree that periods of intermittent fasting occur in a pattern.

For example, embrace the 16:8 or eat-stop-eat program in which they purposefully elect to have one meal a day in which they only eat one meal in eight hours twice a week.

Others prefer to follow a 5:2 regimen in which they eat regularly throughout the week (i.e., three to four times a day) during the week for five days then reduce their caloric intake by as much as 25 percent or 500-600 calories during the week.

Which method works best? The answer can vary depending on who you ask, but many agree that the 16:8 most manageable to navigate.

Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss

Intermittent fasting can produce positive results for weight loss, but it is contingent on your ability to be consistent. Weight loss occurs as a direct result of your consumption of fewer calories. There are reports that intermittent fasting can help you achieve as much as ten percent of your weight over six to nine months of regular practice.

You may be wondering how it is possible that you can lose weight despite prior warnings about skipping meals. Intermittent fasting essentially tricks your body into shedding pounds. People who elect to restrict calories for an extended period are likely not to see the same results. You may even start to notice the loss of muscle mass if you do not follow the baseline standards.

On the other hand, intermittent fasting allows for the human growth hormone levels to increase, while insulin levels decrease, thus enabling it to have a positive effect on insulin resistance.

Intermittent fasting has many positive side effects for your health aside from losing weight. It can improve your cholesterol levels, prevent cancer, and for those who suffer from inflammation, it can also help you to manage inflammation markers in your body better.

There are a few things you should keep in mind about intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting can leave you feeling hungry, weak, and a bit foggy. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, you should discuss your plans to embark on intermittent fasting with your healthcare provider to ensure you do not trigger any unwanted side effects.

In summary, intermittent fasting is an effective way of increasing weight loss. It does require a bit of commitment to ensure you are consistent in the process selected in helping you to sustain or advance your progress on the program. Take care not to starve your body as this can trigger it to hold onto fat and cease weight loss progress. Instead, pick a plan that works best for your schedule and stick with it for best results.