A study has revealed when the best time to fast is in order to lose weight
If you are looking to lose weight this year but struggle, there could be a solution. According to experts, it’s not just about what you eat, it’s also when you eat.
Discussing the topic on diabetes.co.uk, the experts state that new research shows that an “effective approach” to weight loss goals is through “intermittent fasting”. In addition to this, they add that this method can also “enhance cardiovascular health in individuals with obesity-related complications.”
When should I eat if I want to lose weight?
Studies show that eating your last meal of the day before 5pm helps to reduce subcutaneous abdominal fat. Researchers stress that the timing of meals as a key factor in achieving optimal results.
If you have to much fat, it can increase your risk of several health complications. In fact, obesity is linked with several metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, research reveals.
What is intermittent fasting?
Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of eating and fasting and will vary from person to person depending on their lifestyle. This practice helps keep the body’s natural rhythm on track.
It also helps to improve your metabolic health. It’s important to not that irregular eating patterns, especially at night, disrupt these rhythms and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
What time is best to fast?
In a 12-week study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, 197 participants took part with researchers examining three fasting methods:
- early fasting (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
- late fasting (2 p.m.–10 p.m.)
- self-selected fasting
Participants wore continuous glucose monitors before and after the study to track changes in their glucose levels. The findings revealed people following intermittent fasting lost more weight than participants on other diets.
It was also reported that the early fasting group showed the greatest reduction in abdominal fat and achieved the best glucose regulation.
Dr. Idoia Labayen, the study’s lead author, said: “These findings suggest that early fasting may be especially beneficial in optimising glucose regulation, which may help prevent diabetes and improve metabolic health.
“Not eating at night allows the body more time to digest and process nutrients, better regulation of blood glucose is facilitated, thus reducing the risk of developing sugar problems and other metabolic disorders.”