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In today’s world, diet culture is more prevalent than ever before; social media apps, peers and global beauty standards constantly push individuals to try the latest trend in all things weight loss. Recently, the idea of intermittent fasting took the forefront as fitness influences found it was an easy way to stay slim and reduce bloating due to excessive eating throughout the day. The trend of intermittent fasting entails periods of fasting throughout the day followed by periods of allowed food consumption. A Harvard Medical School blog, explains that the alternating feeding schedule if effective because it is able to stabilize glucose levels and thus stored sugar supply will be excreted from the cell when necessary (during periods of fasting) leading to weight loss.
On January 15th 2021, the University of Surrey found that there may be benefits of alternating feeding schedules in order to reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). An article published by Science Daily explains that altering meal times holds many benefits such as weight loss (as we already know) and decreasing cholesterol levels. In aiming to prove this statement, 3 groups of at-risk individuals will be participating in a trial. The first group will continue eating at their regular mealtimes while the other two groups will take part in a restricted feeding schedule, all 3 groups of individuals will then be assessed based on blood and urine samples provided to the researchers. Many nutritionists and registered dietitians believe that shortening feeding periods will have a great impact on decreasing the risk for T2D and await the results from the research trials.
Food for Thought
In my opinion, I believe that intermittent fasting may not be entirely sustainable for certain individuals and may lead to periods of binge eating following prolonged time fasting. These episodes of binge eating may then result in a long-lasting unhealthy relationship with food and several other disorders. I do however, understand the risks at hand as according to diabetes Canada, one in 3 Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes today. This being said, the proper awareness and precautions should be taken in order to find solutions for all individuals affected. I am hopeful that the studies taking place at the University of Surrey are promising and provide insight into taking steps towards conquering diabetes in Canada.
Sources:
Tello, M. (2020, February 10). Intermittent fasting: Surprising update. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intermittent-fasting-surprising-update-2018062914156
One in three Canadians is living with diabetes or prediabetes, yet knowledge of risk and complications of disease remains low. (2019, April 8). DiabetesCanadaWebsite. https://www.diabetes.ca/media-room/press-releases/one-in-three-canadians-is-living-with-diabetes-or-prediabetes,-yet-knowledge-of-risk-and-complicatio#:~:text=One%20in%20three%20Canadians%20is,disease%20remains%20low%20%2D%20Diabetes%20Canada
University of Surrey. (2021, January 15). Could altering mealtimes prevent development of Type 2 diabetes?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 17, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/01/210115110320.htm
Hey, I completely agree with your post. In my opinion, I don't think intermittent fasting is acceptable for everybody. Personally, I am a relatively healthy individual who works out a couple times a week. I use intermittent fasting to cut weight majorly and stop myself from eating at night when the food hits the most. I use the 16/8 method where you don't eat for 16 hours and eat within the 8 hour time frame. I got into intermittent fasting because of the potential benefits: suppressing inflammation, decreasing cholesterol, and stabilizing sugar levels.
It's interesting to see that for certain people intermittent fasting can be used as a strategic tool to eat healthier, lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. I believe that on top of the possibility of preventing type 2 diabetes it can have the potential to help with other diseases and disorders linked with being overweight such as hypertension, stroke, osteoarthritis and many others.