Intermittent Fasting and Metabolic Health

Obesity and the prevalent metabolic syndrome (MetS) represent a global health challenge, prompting a surge in medical interest toward the development of therapeutic approaches. To address this, a thorough exploration of the literature was conducted, with a specific focus on investigating the impact of intermittent fasting on metabolic processes.
Intermittent fasting, a practice coming from diverse cultural and religious contexts, entails dedicated periods of time, ranging from 12 hours to several days, during which individuals consume limited or no calories. This dietary regimen hinges on a profound understanding of the fundamental physiology governing glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the intriguing concept of "metabolic switching" that takes place when the body enters a fasting state. In both pre-clinical and clinical studies, extensive research has found the benefits of intermittent fasting, extending its positive influence to a spectrum of ailments. Notably, these benefits are seen in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and hypertension, in addition to significant enhancements in cardiovascular risk factors. However, while intermittent fasting exhibits substantial promise, the imperative for comprehensive, long-term follow-up studies remains.