According to a new study at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, intermittent fasting wherein the person will alternate between periods of normal eating and brief periods of fasting, can supercharge weight loss and can combat obesity.
Aside from weight loss, it helps prevent disease and slow down aging. It helps normalize blood sugar levels, reduce probability of developing Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, boost the immune system and promote healthy aging.
According to the World Health Organization, the number of obese individuals doubled since 1980. Consequently, based on the data from a survey last 2008, approximately 1.4 billion adults and those 20 years old and under are obese. An estimated 10% of the total worldwide population falls under the obese category.
"Fasting alone is more powerful in preventing and reversing some diseases than drugs," said Satchidananda Panda, an associate professor at the Salk Institute.
Professor Panda is the lead researcher and they tested hundreds of mice. The mice were fed an unhealthy diet to promote weight gain. After that, they applied intermittent fasting and gained less weight than those who have everyday access to food.
"What we're saying is that irrespective of what diet these mice had, as long as they were fasting for 12 hours or more, they were fine. So you actually don't need a diet," he added.
This study will gain open up the topic on intermittent fasting that is still one of the most discusses topics especially as it deals with weight loss. It will also support other researches and studies that have shown the importance of intermittent fasting.
Aside from weight loss, it can also aid in making the skin younger-looking and radiant. It prevents the appearance of premature signs of aging. Many celebrities are using this diet plan to lose weight and maintain a healthy body. In fact, Actor Hugh Jackman credited intermittent fasting for helping him achieve his rippling Wolverine body. Jackman said IF also gave him more energy and improved his sleep.