Shanghai, China – Recent studies are increasingly showcasing the short-term benefits of intermittent fasting, particularly time-restricted eating (TRE), a popular dietary intervention where individuals limit their food intake to an eight-hour window. While endorsed by celebrities for weight loss and physique control, new research from a team in China raises concerns about the potential long-term effects of TRE that may outweigh its benefits.
Epidemiologist Victor Zhong from Shanghai Jiao Tong University warned that individuals following an eight-hour TRE have shown higher cardiovascular mortality rates in both the general population and those with pre-existing conditions like cancer and heart disease. Despite some studies indicating cardiovascular benefits of intermittent fasting, Zhong emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality of food consumed rather than the timing of meals to reduce cardiovascular death risks.
Zhong’s team analyzed data from over 20,000 US adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003-2018, revealing troubling findings. Participants who restricted their eating window to eight hours or less faced a 91% higher risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, even among those with heart disease or cancer. For individuals with cardiovascular disease, restricting eating to 8-10 hours daily was associated with a 66% higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke.
Interestingly, the study found no significant impact on overall mortality rates from any cause due to TRE. Notably, individuals with cancer who consumed food over a 16-hour period or longer showed a decreased risk of dying from cancer, adding complexity to the potential health implications of TRE.
Although these findings present associations rather than direct causes, Zhong urges caution, particularly for patients with existing heart conditions or cancer, in understanding the link between TRE and increased cardiovascular mortality risk. The study emphasizes the need for personalized dietary recommendations aligned with individual health status and scientific evidence to ensure overall well-being.
Presented at the American Heart Association’s EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions, this research sheds light on the potential drawbacks of TRE, sparking a conversation on the balance between short-term benefits and long-term health impacts in dietary interventions. Further investigation is crucial to fully comprehend the mechanisms behind the observed associations and provide informed guidance on nutrition and health practices.