A widely popular intermittent fasting regimen favored by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Heidi Klum, and Jennifer Lopez has been disturbingly associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, according to a recently published study.
Reported by South West News Service, users of the so-called 16:8 diet – wherein individuals consume food only during an eight-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours each day – face a staggering 91% heightened risk of succumbing to heart disease-related deaths compared to those who follow eating periods extending over 12 to 16 hours.
Dr. Victor Wenze Zhong, the senior author of the study and a professor and chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, emphasized the need for a more cautious and personalized approach to dietary recommendations. He remarked, “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.”
Zhong further expressed surprise at the study’s revelations, stating, “We were surprised to find in our study that people who followed an eight-hour, time-restricted eating schedule were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease.”
The research, which examined the dietary patterns of over 20,000 US adults with an average age of 49 over a median period of eight years, underscored alarming statistics. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions who adhered to an eating window lasting between eight and 10 hours daily faced a 66% increased risk of heart disease- or stroke-related mortality, according to the data.
Presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention│Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Scientific Sessions 2024 in Chicago, the study has sparked concerns among experts regarding the 16:8 fasting diet’s potential health ramifications.
Criticism has arisen from Dr. Christopher D. Gardner of Stanford University, who questioned the study’s reliance on participants self-reporting their dietary habits and meal timings. He noted potential inaccuracies stemming from memory or recall biases and advocated for future research to place greater emphasis on assessing the nutritional content of the diets under scrutiny.
Nutritionist Rania Batayneh, author of “The One One One Diet,” echoed these concerns, cautioning against the 16:8 method. She highlighted potential adverse effects such as lightheadedness, hunger, irritability, and low energy, particularly when the fasting period extends into the morning hours.
Batayneh instead recommended a less restrictive approach of not eating for 12 hours, commencing later in the evening. She emphasized the importance of structuring meals within a 12-hour window to provide essential nutrients throughout the day, thereby supporting satiety and minimizing post-dinner snacking tendencies.
In light of these findings, it is evident that further research and consideration are warranted to better understand the potential health impacts of intermittent fasting diets, particularly concerning cardiovascular health. As discussions surrounding dietary recommendations continue, individuals are advised to prioritize balanced nutrition and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.