A highly popular intermittent fasting method, embraced by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Heidi Klum, and Jennifer Lopez, has been startlingly associated with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death, according to a recent study.
The so-called Celebrity-Loved Diet like16:8 diet, which involves eating only during an eight-hour window and fasting for the remaining 16 hours of the day, has been linked to a staggering 91% increase in the risk of dying from heart disease compared to individuals who consume their meals over 12- or 16-hour periods, as reported by South West News Service.
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Dr. Victor Wenze Zhong, senior author of the study and professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in China, expressed surprise at the findings, stating, “Our findings encourage a more cautious, personalized approach to dietary recommendations, ensuring they are aligned with an individual’s health status and the latest scientific evidence.”
The research, presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago, analyzed the eating habits of over 20,000 adults in the United States with an average age of 49 over a median period of eight years.
According to the study, individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions who adhered to a time-restricted eating schedule lasting between eight and 10 hours per day faced a 66% higher risk of dying from heart disease or stroke.
While intermittent fasting has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including weight loss and improved metabolic health, concerns have been raised about its impact on cardiovascular health.
Dr. Christopher D. Gardner of Stanford University criticized the study’s reliance on self-reported dietary habits, suggesting that participants’ memory or recall may not accurately reflect their eating patterns. He emphasized the importance of assessing the nutritional value of diets to better understand their effects on health outcomes.
Nutritionist Rania Batayneh, author of “The One One One Diet,” expressed reservations about the 16:8 method, warning that prolonged fasting periods could lead to feelings of lightheadedness, hunger, irritability, and low energy. Instead, she recommends a structured approach of not eating for 12 hours, starting later in the evening, to support overall health and prevent overeating.
The study’s findings underscore the need for further research into the potential risks and benefits of intermittent fasting diets, as well as the importance of personalized dietary recommendations tailored to individual health profiles.
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