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May 9, 2025 – Intermittent fasting, a popular dietary trend lauded for its potential benefits in weight loss and blood pressure management, is now under scrutiny following new research suggesting it may significantly increase the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Key Findings from Recent Research
At the American Heart Association’s scientific sessions in Chicago last year, researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine presented findings that raised concerns about time-restricted eating. The study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, focusing on 20,000 adults and their eating patterns over at least two days. The participants were then tracked for approximately eight years to determine rates of cardiovascular death.
The results were striking: individuals who restricted their food intake to less than eight hours per day were found to have a 91% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who ate over longer periods.
Expert Perspectives and Cautions
Despite the alarming statistics, the study’s co-author, Victor Wenze Zhong, cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions from these findings alone. “Practicing intermittent fasting for a short period such as three months may likely lead to benefits on reducing weight and improving cardiometabolic health,” Zhong explained in an email to NBC. However, he advised that people “should be extremely cautious” when considering intermittent fasting for extended periods, such as several years.
Zhong also noted that the mechanism behind this association remains unclear. One possible explanation is that those who eat within a shorter window tend to have lower lean muscle mass, which is itself linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular death.
Dr. Benjamin Horne, a research professor at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, added that fasting can increase stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, potentially raising the risk of heart problems.
What Should You Do?
While intermittent fasting remains a popular approach for many seeking health improvements, these new findings highlight the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals before making significant or long-term changes to eating patterns, especially for those with existing health concerns.
Disclaimer:
The research discussed in this article has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in an academic journal. The findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
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