Intermittent Fasting Raises Heart Disease Death Risk: New Study Findings

Intermittent Fasting Linked to a Higher Risk of Heart Disease Death

Intermittent fasting, a popular dietary practice that involves restricting eating to an 8-hour window, has been linked to a higher risk of dying from heart disease. This finding has raised concerns among health experts and individuals who follow intermittent fasting as a means of weight loss or overall health improvement.

The 16:8 Diet and its Popularity

One of the most well-known forms of intermittent fasting is the 16:8 diet, which involves fasting for 16 hours and restricting eating to an 8-hour window. This approach has gained popularity due to its simplicity and potential health benefits, such as improved blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels.

The Study and its Findings

To investigate the long-term effects of time-restricted eating, a team of researchers led by Wenze Zhong at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University conducted a study involving approximately 20,000 adults. The participants, evenly split between men and women, were part of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Over a period of eight years, the researchers collected self-reported dietary information from the participants. They then matched this data with death records from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study focused on individuals aged 20 or older who had completed two diet questionnaires within their first year of the survey.

The results of the study were concerning. Despite intermittent fasting often being praised for its potential longevity benefits, the researchers found that individuals who followed an 8-hour eating schedule did not live longer than those with a more traditional eating schedule of 12 to 16 hours.

The Link to Heart Disease

Of particular concern was the increased risk of death from heart disease among those who practiced time-restricted eating. The study revealed that individuals who followed an 8-hour eating schedule were 91% more likely to die from heart disease over the follow-up period compared to those who ate over 12 to 16 hours.

Furthermore, for individuals who had been diagnosed with heart conditions before the study, eating over an 8 to 10-hour window was associated with a 66% higher risk of death from heart disease compared to those who ate over 12 to 16 hours.

Factors to Consider

While the study’s findings are concerning, it is important to consider certain factors that may have influenced the results. Benjamin Horne, an expert at the Intermountain Heart Institute, highlights that some individuals may have adopted time-restricted eating intentionally, while others may have had limited eating windows due to health conditions or treatments affecting their appetite.

Additionally, limited access to food and food insecurity could have contributed to a restricted eating schedule for some participants. Jo Ann Carson, former chair of the AHA nutrition committee, emphasizes that unhealthy lifestyles associated with food insecurity can lead to heart disease, and the healthfulness of the foods consumed by the participants is unknown.

Further Research and Implications

The study conducted by Zhong and his colleagues relied on self-reported dietary information, which may introduce inaccuracies. The researchers acknowledge the need for further investigation to determine if the findings apply to individuals of different ethnicities and to explore how fasting might increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.

As a result of these findings, health experts recommend that individuals prioritize an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern rather than focusing solely on the timing of meals. It is crucial for those considering intermittent fasting to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new dietary regimen.

The link between intermittent fasting and a higher risk of heart disease death highlights the importance of understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with popular dietary practices. Further research and a comprehensive understanding of individual health conditions are necessary to make informed decisions about dietary choices and their impact on long-term health.

Higher Risk of Heart Disease Death Associated with Intermittent Fasting

The link between intermittent fasting and a higher risk of dying from heart disease has significant implications for individuals who practice this dietary approach. Understanding the potential effects of intermittent fasting on heart health is crucial for making informed decisions about dietary choices and overall well-being.

Increased Risk of Death from Heart Disease

The study conducted by Wenze Zhong and his colleagues revealed that individuals who followed an 8-hour eating schedule, a common form of intermittent fasting, were 91% more likely to die from heart disease compared to those who ate over 12 to 16 hours. This finding raises concerns about the potential negative impact of time-restricted eating on cardiovascular health.

For individuals who had been diagnosed with heart conditions before the study, the risk of death from heart disease was even higher. Eating over an 8 to 10-hour window was associated with a 66% increased risk of death from heart disease compared to those who ate over 12 to 16 hours. This suggests that individuals with pre-existing heart conditions may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of intermittent fasting.

Considerations for Health Conditions and Treatments

It is important to consider the individual circumstances of those who practice time-restricted eating. Benjamin Horne, an expert at the Intermountain Heart Institute, highlights that some individuals may adopt intermittent fasting intentionally, while others may have limited eating windows due to health conditions or treatments that affect their appetite.

Individuals with pre-existing health conditions may unknowingly opt for intermittent fasting if their symptoms or treatments impact their appetite. This unintentional adoption of time-restricted eating could contribute to the increased risk of heart disease death observed in the study.

Food Insecurity and Access to Healthy Foods

Another factor to consider is the potential influence of limited access to food and food insecurity on the eating patterns of participants. Jo Ann Carson, former chair of the AHA nutrition committee, suggests that some individuals may have had a restricted eating schedule due to limited food availability.

Research indicates that food insecurity is associated with unhealthy lifestyles that can lead to heart disease. The study did not provide information about the healthfulness of the foods consumed by the participants, making it difficult to determine the role of diet quality in the observed effects of intermittent fasting on heart disease death.

Further Research and Implications

The study conducted by Zhong and his colleagues provides valuable insights into the potential risks associated with intermittent fasting, particularly in relation to heart health. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study, including the reliance on self-reported dietary information and the need for further research to validate the findings.

Individuals who are considering intermittent fasting or any other dietary regimen should consult with their healthcare providers to assess the potential risks and benefits based on their individual health conditions and goals. Prioritizing an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern, regardless of the timing of meals, is recommended to reduce the likelihood of premature death from heart disease.

The findings of this study highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of the potential effects of popular dietary practices. By considering the specific circumstances of individuals, such as pre-existing health conditions and access to healthy foods, we can better evaluate the impact of intermittent fasting on heart health and make informed decisions about our dietary choices.