As popularized by health journalist, Dr. Michael Mosley, the newest 5:2 Diet is known worldwide as an effective means to lose extra pounds through intermittent feeding. According to several studies, intermittent feeding which is the principle behind the 5:2 Diet helps in burning more calories and improving one's health.
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.
The 5:2 Diet or Fast Diet, as based on the book published by Dr. Mosley, revolves around the idea of limiting caloric intake for two non-consecutive days in a week. For the other five days, the individual can eat regularly. Fasting for two days doesn't mean starving the body but rather limiting intake of calories to 500 calories for women and 600 calories for men in one day.
According to a study by Fernanda Reis de Azevedoa, Dimas Ikeokab, and Bruno Caramellia, animal studies revealed that there are positive changes associated with intermittent fasting such as improved glucose levels. Tests revealed lower plasma levels of glucose and insulin, improved lipid metabolism where there is reduced visceral fat tissue and heightened adiponectin levels and of course, improved stress resistance.
Aside from losing weight, there are paralleled health benefits incurred from doing this diet. 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.
The main theory behind the efficacy of this diet is intermittent fasting signals the body to work to the maximum burning more calories. It reduces Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 which will lead to faster burning of calories and fats. Subsequently, fasting introduces a mild stress response that produces protective proteins to help in combating oxidative stress to slow down aging.
5:2 Diet is a new diet craze taking over the media and market. It promises a more dynamic and effective way to lose weight that does not deprive the body of normal eating habits.
