Intermittent fasting could increase heart attack and stroke risk

Summary

The transcript discusses the practice of intermittent fasting, highlighting Suzanne's positive experiences with it for managing menopausal weight gain. Notable fasters like Rishi Sunak, Jennifer Aniston, and Elon Musk are mentioned. Despite benefits such as improved sleep, controlled eating, and reduced blood sugar levels, a new report from the United States suggests potential health risks, including a higher risk of death due to cardiovascular disease for those fasting 16 hours or more daily. The study's limitations are acknowledged, and its findings do not deter some, like Suzanne, from continuing intermittent fasting due to perceived benefits.

Takeaways

• 🥗 Suzanne started intermittent fasting about 5 years ago to manage menopausal weight gain.
• 🕒 Intermittent fasters eat during an 8-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours.
• 🌟 Celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Aniston, and Elon Musk are known to practice intermittent fasting.
• 🌿 The benefits for Suzanne include better sleep, controlled eating, reduced food cravings, and lower blood sugar levels.
• 🧬 Suzanne is aware of her family's high cholesterol and believes fasting helps mitigate this health risk.
• 🚨 A new report from the United States suggests potential serious health risks associated with fasting 16 hours or more a day.
• 💔 The study found a 91% higher risk of death due to cardiovascular disease among those who fasted for longer periods.
• 🔄 People with existing cardiovascular disease had a 66% higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke when fasting 14 to 16 hours a day.
• ❓ The report is not peer-reviewed, and its authors acknowledge it cannot prove cause and effect due to its limitations.
• 🍽️ The study's findings do not consider the quality of food consumed or the reasons behind fasting, which could be cultural or health-related.
• 📉 Despite the warnings, some individuals like Suzanne continue intermittent fasting, convinced of its benefits over potential harms.

Q & A

What is intermittent fasting and how often does Suzanne practice it?

Intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. Suzanne practices it by eating for eight hours and fasting for 16 hours, about once or twice a week.

Why did Suzanne turn to intermittent fasting?

Suzanne turned to intermittent fasting to manage her weight gain during menopause.

Who are some famous fasters mentioned in the script?

Some famous fasters mentioned include Rishi Sunak, Jennifer Aniston, and Elon Musk.

What benefits has intermittent fasting provided for Suzanne?

Intermittent fasting has helped Suzanne sleep better, control her eating habits, reduce food cravings, and lower her blood sugars. It also potentially helps manage her family's tendency towards high cholesterol.

What is the new report from the United States about fasting and health risks?

The new report from the United States found that people who fasted for 16 hours or more a day had a 91% higher risk of death due to cardiovascular disease. For those with existing cardiovascular disease, fasting for 14 to 16 hours a day was associated with a 66% higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke.

What is the limitation of the mentioned report on fasting and health risks?

The report is not peer-reviewed, and its authors stress that it cannot prove cause and effect. It only looked at two days' worth of food intake and did not consider the quality of food consumed or the reasons behind fasting.

What does the report suggest about the overall risk of death from any cause?

The report found that restricted eating did not reduce the overall risk of death from any cause.

How might the report's findings affect people who practice intermittent fasting?

The warnings from the report might deter some people from intermittent fasting due to the potential health risks. However, others, like Suzanne, may continue because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks.

What is the importance of considering the food one eats during intermittent fasting?

The quality of the food consumed during eating windows is possibly more important than the fasting intervals themselves, as it can significantly impact health outcomes.

What other factors might influence the decision to continue or discontinue intermittent fasting?

Factors such as personal health conditions, cultural practices, and individual experiences with the benefits and drawbacks of fasting can influence the decision to continue or discontinue intermittent fasting.

What should one consider before starting intermittent fasting?

Before starting intermittent fasting, one should consider their health status, consult with healthcare professionals, and be aware of the potential risks and benefits to make an informed decision.