Intermittent fasting linked to a higher risk of death from heart disease: Study

Digital Desk: Intermittent fasting, known as a promising strategy for weight loss, recently faced a setback with the release of research findings at a medical meeting in Chicago. The study, presented at the American Heart Association's Lifestyle Scientific Sessions, raised concerns about the safety of limiting food intake to specific timeframes.

The study, led by Victor Zhong from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, analyzed data from approximately 20,000 adults participating in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. It found a startling revelation: limiting mealtimes to just eight hours a day was associated with a 91% increase in the risk of death from heart disease.

These findings have sparked a wave of speculation and scrutiny within the medical community. The American Heart Association, which published only an abstract of the study, left scientists pondering over the details of the research protocol. While the study underwent review by experts before its release, questions linger about potential confounding variables and inaccuracies, given its reliance on patient-recalled dietary data.

Critics of the study have pointed out potential biases, such as differences in underlying health conditions between the fasting group and the comparison group, who consumed food over a daily period of 12 to 16 hours. Keith Frayn, an emeritus professor of human metabolism at the University of Oxford, emphasized the importance of long-term studies to fully understand the effects of time-restricted eating. Frayn's statement highlights the need for comprehensive research that addresses lingering questions raised by the abstract.

Zhong addressed some concerns by noting that the fasting patients while exhibiting higher BMIs and food insecurity, had a lower prevalence of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Despite controlling for these variables, the positive association between 8-hour time-restricted eating and cardiovascular mortality persisted.

However, crucial details remain unclear, such as the duration of intermittent fasting among the participants. Zhong indicated that assumptions were made regarding the continuity of the fasting regimen, adding another layer of complexity to the study's interpretation.

As discussions around intermittent fasting continue, it's evident that further research is needed to elucidate its safety and efficacy. The study's unexpected results serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in lifestyle interventions aimed at weight loss and underline the necessity of rigorous, long-term investigations to inform clinical recommendations. 

As the scientific community awaits more comprehensive data, individuals considering intermittent fasting should approach it with caution and consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.