Over the years you’ve heard different forms of fasting, including intermittent fasting, promoted for weight management and disease prevention, but do these techniques work and are they safe for children? Studies have shown that reducing typical calorie consumption, usually by 30-40 percent,
extends the lifespan by a third or more in many animals. When it comes to calorie restriction in humans, however, the jury is still out. Even if calorie restriction does not help anyone live longer, a large portion of research has supported the idea that limiting food intake reduces the risk of diseases common in old age and lengthens the period of life spent in good health.
Intermittent fasting (IF) may be an alternative to traditional dieting for adults but has not been studied in children. However, research results on benefits of intermittent fasting has not been consistent. While some studies have shown potential benefit, others have shown no difference with regards to weight loss/weight maintenance, blood sugar control, and blood lipids.
Research does suggest that the timing of the fast is key. There are three kinds of intermittent fasting, all of which involve splitting the day or week into eating and fasting periods. The 16/8 method or time splitting method, involves skipping breakfast and restricting daily eating period to 8 hours, (such as from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Then there is then a 16 hour fast in between.
The Eat-Stop-Eat or “alternate day” method involves fasting for 24 hours, once or twice a week. The 5:2 method allows 20-25 percent of estimated caloric needs on fasting days and unrestricted intake on non-fasting days.
