Practiced for centuries as a ritual in many religions, intermittent fasting (IF) is rapidly growing in popularity as a weight loss and health-improvement tool. A 2024 survey found that as many as 13% of Americans followed an IF regimen during the previous year. But does it really offer health benefits? And are there any downsides?
“Switching between time periods of negative energy balance — short fasts and/or exercise — and positive energy balance — eating and resting — can optimize general health and brain health, too,” Mark Mattson, PhD, adjunct professor of neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, told Medscape Medical News.
IF is not a diet but rather a pattern of eating, said Mattson, former chief of the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute on Aging. “A…