Intermittent Fasting Can Lead to Weight Loss, Improvements in Type 2 Diabetes and the Cardiovascular System

Since diet is a key element in weight loss, weight maintenance, and overall health, a lot of research has gone into looking at different types of diets. One diet approach that has received much attention in the past several years is the intermittent fasting (IF) diet. Usually, in the IF diet, an individual follows a very low or zero calorie plan for some period, and a normal eating plan at other times. The diet can lead to weight loss. And IF studies have determined that the IF diets can be effective in glycemic control and cardiovascular improvements.

One study consisted of a control group and two intervention groups. One of the intervention groups followed a protocol using a 600 calorie diet for two days a week, and the other intervention group followed a protocol using a 600 calorie diet for 4 days a week. On the non-calorie-restricted days of the week, the participants in both intervention groups were free to eat anything they wanted.

At the end of the twentieth week, participants in both intervention groups showed a decrease in HbA1c and insulin resistance. Further, a 29% "diabetes remission without ... medication" was seen in both groups.

And another study indicated that the 5:2 IF diet, where a person follows a 500-to-600 calorie diet on two days of the week, and a normal diet on the other days of the week, is a beneficial diet. The diet allows an individual to lose weight and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, the study’s investigators “found that following weight loss, participants in the 5:2 group continue to eliminate fats (triglycerides) faster and more effectively than other volunteers. Scientists have also noticed a greater reduction in arterial systolic pressure associated with decreased risk of heart attack and stroke.”

So, healthcare providers might want to add IF to their weight loss tools. Not only could IF enable some patients to lose weight, but the weight loss approach might also lead to improvement in type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.

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