Intermittent fasting: Is it a new weight-loss formula or just a trend?

Nowadays, a new method for weight loss is becoming increasingly popular—intermittent fasting. If you have heard about it, you are not alone. This is an eating pattern in which the time for eating and fasting is fixed. You eat food for a limited time during the day and fast the rest of the time. It is claimed that this not only reduces weight but also has a positive effect on the internal system of the body.

The most common method is 16/8 fasting, in which you drink only water for 16 hours daily and eat the food you need within 8 hours. Apart from this, some people adopt the method of fasting two days a week or alternate day fasting. But the question is, is it really effective? And is it safe for everyone? Let us know the advantages, and disadvantages of intermittent fasting and the right way to adopt it.

How does intermittent fasting work?

The purpose of intermittent fasting is to speed up your body's fat-burning process. When you don't eat for a long period of time, your body uses stored fat to meet its energy needs.

Drop in insulin levels: Your insulin level rises when you eat. But it drops during fasting, allowing your body to easily convert fat into energy.

Norepinephrine hormone: Your nervous system sends signals to fat cells that break down fat and use it as energy. This process helps in weight loss.

Speed ​​up metabolism: During intermittent fasting, the body's metabolism speeds up, which promotes calorie burning.

However, it is important to remember that its effect may be different on everyone.

Is intermittent fasting safe?

Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone. Especially pregnant women, diabetic patients, or people suffering from any other health problem must consult a doctor before adopting it. It should not be taken without doctor's advice.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting also has many benefits, which you should know well before using it. See what benefits you are going to get from it.

Helpful in weight loss: It reduces weight by converting stored body fat into energy.

Sugar control: Blood sugar level can improve due to lower insulin level.

Heart health: It can help in increasing good cholesterol (HDL) and reducing bad cholesterol (LDL).

What are the disadvantages?

While these are its benefits, there are also disadvantages of intermittent fasting which come to you with time. You also have to pay attention to these disadvantages given below.

Hunger and fatigue: In the initial days, you may feel hungry and weak.

Nutrient deficiency: If you do not take the right diet, then there may be a deficiency of essential nutrients.

Hormonal changes: Fasting for a long time can affect the hormone balance.

Tips to lose weight with intermittent fasting

If you want to lose weight with intermittent fasting, then we would definitely like to give you some tips here so that you can get maximum benefit from it. Therefore, below are some tips which you must follow.

Eat the right food: Eat light, nutritious and homemade food during fasting. Avoid fast food and processed food.

Take care of calories: Do not take back the calories saved during fasting by eating too much at mealtime.

Be strict: Follow intermittent fasting regularly and do not leave it in between.

Drink water: Drink plenty of water during fasting to avoid dehydration.

Should you adopt it?

If you are looking for a simple and effective way to lose weight, then intermittent fasting can be a good option. But before adopting it, it is important to understand your body and health. Adopt the right method and be patient.

Note: This article is written for information purposes only. Before adopting any new diet or eating pattern, consult a doctor or dietician.