Scientists talked about the effects of intermittent fasting on health

Intermittent fasting reduces weight and normalizes metabolism at any age, but its effects vary significantly depending on the age group. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the Chinese Ningxia Medical University following a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 randomized clinical trials involving 1,833 people. This was reported in the journal Nutrients.

The authors divided the participants into three age groups: under 30 years old, from 30 to 44 years old and over 45 years old. A decrease in weight and body mass index was recorded in all three groups. On average, young participants lost about 1.8 kg, middle—aged people lost 1.47 kg, and subjects over the age of 45 lost 2.16 kg.

However, in parallel with adipose tissue, intermittent fasting provoked a loss of muscle mass — in young and elderly participants it was about 0.98 kg in each group. The researchers emphasize: In people over the age of 45, this is especially dangerous because it accelerates age—related muscle loss - sarcopenia.

To mitigate the risk, scientists have proposed an "IG +" strategy: elderly people who practice intermittent fasting should consume at least 1.2–1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day and engage in strength training at least two to three times a week.

The most alarming discovery was an increase in the level of low-density lipoproteins ("bad" cholesterol). In young people, it increased by an average of 6.75 mg/dl, a significant and statistically significant result. In people over the age of 45, a similar effect was found with a more rigorous mathematical analysis of the data.

The authors conclude that, regardless of age, intermittent fasting requires regular monitoring of the blood lipid profile. The most pronounced cardiometabolic improvements were recorded in people over 45 years of age: their triglyceride levels and systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 4.86 mmHg. The young subjects showed a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity.

The group from 30 to 44 years old turned out to be the most "unpredictable": they had practically no statistically significant improvements in cardiometabolic parameters — researchers attribute this to chronic stress, sleep disorders, and hormonal changes in middle age.

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Science Daily reported on the effects of intermittent fasting on the body on May 31. According to the publication, such a diet contributes to weight loss in obese adults, while causing coordinated changes in the composition of intestinal bacteria and brain activity. According to scientists, successful weight loss is a complex biological process that affects not only body fat, but also the system of interaction between the microbiome and the nervous system.