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Baton Rouge, LA — In a landmark achievement for the field of fasting research, scientists have reached a consensus on fasting terminology, setting a new standard for clarity and consistency in this rapidly evolving field. The groundbreaking study, published in Cell Metabolism, represents the collective effort of 38 experts from five continents, including Dr. Eric Ravussin from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.
The international panel, which met through a combination of live conferences and online surveys, defined 24 key terms related to fasting. This effort marks the first time experimental and clinical experts in both medical and religious fasting have come together to establish a unified lexicon. The need for such standardization has become increasingly apparent as the popularity of fasting-related diets and scientific studies on fasting has surged.
Dr. Ravussin, a leading researcher in diabetes and metabolism, emphasized the importance of this consensus. “Despite the extensive study of fasting worldwide, especially in relation to healthy aging, there was previously no common definition for the various fasting approaches and caloric restriction methods. By defining these terms and setting a standard, we aim to guide individuals away from unverified diets that can lead to unhealthy or even dangerous behaviors,” he said. “As the use of fasting grows, clear and universal terminology is crucial for researchers, dieticians, nutritionists, and fitness instructors.”
The panel utilized the Delphi method, a technique for reaching consensus through iterative rounds of questionnaires, to develop these definitions. This multidisciplinary approach aimed to facilitate better communication and cross-referencing within the field.
Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical, praised Dr. Ravussin’s contributions, stating, “Dr. Ravussin’s work on this panel not only advances the consensus on fasting terminology but also enhances Pennington Biomedical’s reputation as a global leader in setting industry standards. His efforts help improve clarity and consistency in research, which ultimately contributes to better health outcomes.”
The newly defined terms include:
- Fasting: Voluntary abstinence from some or all foods or foods and beverages.
- Modified fasting: Restriction of energy intake to a maximum of 25% of energy needs.
- Fluid-only fasting: A modified fasting regimen where only beverages are consumed for a specified period.
- Alternate-day fasting: Alternating days of ad libitum eating with days of water-only fasting.
- Short-term fasting: Fasting that lasts two to three days.
- Prolonged fasting: Fasting for four or more consecutive days.
- Religious fasting: Any fasting regimen undertaken as part of a religious practice.
- Intermittent fasting: Repetitive fasting periods lasting 48 hours or less.
These definitions aim to enhance the scientific community’s ability to discuss and study fasting with greater precision and uniformity, ultimately leading to more effective and safer applications of fasting practices.
About Pennington Biomedical Research Center
The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a leader in medical research focused on obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and dementia. As part of the LSU System, the Center is a state-of-the-art facility located on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge. It supports over 530 employees across 44 clinics and research laboratories, along with 13 specialized core service facilities. Its research enterprise includes basic, clinical, and population research, with a team of scientists, physician-scientists, research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel.
For further details, visit Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
