Intermittent Fasting: A Health Trend That May Not Be Safe for Everyone

Thanks to the lockdown which has been going on since March in response to the coronavirus pandemic, many of us have been more sedentary than ever. This is bad news, considering nearly half of 6,000 Americans who were surveyed reported getting no “moderate to vigorous physical activity each week” according to Time Magazine.

This data comes from a study conducted from 2015 to 2016, well before the pandemic. We can, therefore, infer that matters have only gotten worse since then. And with food constantly available for those of us who are stuck in our homes, it can be extremely difficult to avoid snacking all day. As a result, some of us may find our waistlines moving in a direction we do not want.

Intermittent fasting can be a highly effective method for maintaining or losing weight. It can be utilized on its own or in conjunction with an exercise regimen. There are a variety of forms of intermittent fasting that are popular today, with varying degrees of restriction.

However, the reality is that this method may not be safe for everybody. Today, we’re going to go through some conditions that may render fasting inadvisable for certain individuals.

Who Should Avoid Intermittent Fasting?

Intermittent fasting is an approach that has shown very promising results in a number of studies. However, IF is not advisable for everyone. Body + Soul has helpful resources for those who are considering trying intermittent fasting. If you feel any of the following apply to you, it may be best to avoid intermittent fasting or only to attempt it under the careful supervision of a physician.

You Have Type I Diabetes

Type I diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to create enough insulin due to an autoimmune reaction that destroys beta cells in the pancreas. Individuals with Type I diabetes must carefully regulate their blood sugar levels, and thus should not attempt intermittent fasting unless it is done with close medical supervision and advisement.

You Are Pregnant

If you are eating for two, you definitely shouldn’t start intermittent fasting. Your child needs consistent high-quality nutrition to best support their development, so this is certainly not the time to try any sort of time-restricted feeding.

You Have Been Diagnosed With an Eating Disorder

Individuals who have a history of, or are currently struggling with, an eating disorder should not attempt intermittent fasting, as it can be counterproductive to treatment or cause a relapse. Instead, it is recommended that these individuals continue to follow the advice of professionals.

In Conclusion

While it may not be as dangerous as a smoking habit or the lead paint found in many old homes, constant snacking is associated with a variety of ill effects. By engaging in some form of intermittent fasting, with the consent of your physician, you can enjoy a variety of health benefits and more easily maintain a healthy weight.

However, intermittent fasting is not the answer for everyone. Those who experience any of the above circumstances should avoid IF. Many folks may also simply find that the method is not a good fit for their body’s personal needs. Plenty of people instead find that more frequent meals, as many as five per day, can be an effective way to keep their metabolism pumping and maintain a healthy weight. No approach is one-size-fits-all, so take the time to figure out what works for you.