Question 120 of 433
Does intermittent fasting extend life?
The short answer
There is no evidence that it extends human life. It helps some people eat less. It is not superior to simply eating fewer calories.
In head-to-head trials, people who ate within an eight-hour window lost about the same weight as people who cut calories without watching the clock. One trial found that the fasting group lost more muscle. That is my chief concern, particularly for older adults: a short eating window makes it hard to get enough protein.
If a 10 or 12-hour eating window with no late-night snacking suits you, good. It is reasonable and it aligns with your body clock. Pushing to 16 or 20 hours daily has no proven extra benefit. People with diabetes on medication, a history of eating disorders, or pregnancy should not fast without medical supervision.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
HUMAN TRIALS — Selected adults: time restriction can aid weight control; no demonstrated human lifespan extension.Evidence grade (draft mapping)Grade pendingPart 9, Q120 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.