Fasting Diets: Science Weighs in on the Pros and Cons of Intermittent Fasting

As the popularity of fasting diets continues to grow, some individuals are choosing to follow intermittent fasting by only consuming one meal a day. Influencers in the health industry suggest that this type of fasting can aid in weight loss, prolong life, and combat cancer. However, recent headlines have raised concerns about the potential dangers of these diets, including links to heart disease and death. Can science provide clarity on this conflicting information?

We spoke with nutrition researchers Dr. Krista Varady and Dr. Courtney Peterson, as well as cancer researcher Professor Valter Longo, to explore the various aspects of fasting and its potential benefits. We discussed whether fasting truly helps burn fat, how much weight people typically lose with intermittent fasting, and whether it is essentially just another form of calorie restriction. We also delved into the potential benefits of fasting in terms of longevity and its effectiveness in combating cancer.

This episode was produced by Kaitlyn Sawrey, Nick DelRose, and Wendy Zukerman, with assistance from Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, Joel Werner, and Meryl Horn. Editing was done by Blythe Terrell, Caitlin Kenney, and Annie-Rose Strasser