Fasting

Hitting a plateau after a steady run of weight loss has derailed many health and fitness plans. But what if you could flick a biological switch to nix plateaus and speed up metabolism? Scientists may have found the key – and it was by complete accident.

As the new year arrives, many will consider going on a diet to shed holiday weight. One popular approach might be intermittent fasting, but a new study says you might want to think twice if having a full head of hair is important to you.

A new study from MIT has revealed the exact mechanism by which fasting causes intestinal stem cells to regenerate, which is one of the practice's benefits. However, the study also showed a downside that needs to be considered when breaking a fast.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is currently one of the most popular health and fitness trends. But, as with anything popular, it has its nay-sayers. So, we looked at the science that backs up what these kinds of diets can do and busted some myths in the process.

Compared to some antidiabetic medications, a 5:2 intermittent diet provides better blood sugar control and weight loss in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics, a new study found. It may be a viable alternative to medications in the early stages of the condition.

Fasting for 24 hours twice a week boosts the cancer-fighting abilities of specific immune cells called natural killer cells, according to a new study. The findings open up a number of options for supplementing cancer treatment in the future.

Time-restricted eating has shown promise in a variety of ways. Now, a new study out of Arizona State University shows that combining it with a particular pattern of protein intake can positively impact weight loss and the gut's microbiome.

A 5:2 intermittent fasting regime – eating for five days, fasting for two – protected against liver inflammation and didn’t cause weight gain, say researchers, who also identified the proteins that provide this protective effect.

New research shows that waiting too long in the day to have your first or last meal could have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. The study, which used data from 103,389 people, says that every hour counts when it comes to your mealtimes.

A study following the eating habits of 500 people found weight change is most affected by the size and frequency of meals rather than the interval from first to last meal. The study challenges the belief intermittent fasting is a useful weight loss tool.

New research in hundreds of mice on different diet regimes suggests that a careful balance of restricting calorie intake and limiting eating to the most active hours of the day could significantly extend lifespan.

In one of the longest trials of its type ever conducted researchers have found limiting food intake to a short period of time every day, known as time-restricted feeding, is no more effective a weight loss strategy than simple calorie counting.