Intermittent fasting, a popular weight loss strategy, may have origins that trace back to the Bible. The diet, which limits eating to certain times of day, is growing in popularity for its reported health benefits. Experts say the practice mirrors religious fasting traditions found in Christianity and other faiths.
According to the Mayo Clinic, intermittent fasting involves cycles of eating and fasting to promote weight loss and improve overall health. Common methods include the 16/8 plan, where a person fasts for 16 hours and eats during an eight-hour window, and alternate approaches that limit calories or require fasting for 24 hours once or twice a week.
The practice encourages the body’s cells to shift their focus to repair, energy use, and balance, Mayo Clinic notes.
Links to Religious Fasting
Fasting plays a role in many religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Taoism. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 21% of Americans fast at certain times for religious reasons.
In the Bible, fasting is seen as a way to strengthen a connection with God. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus advises followers to fast privately, stating that those who fast in secret will be rewarded by God. Similarly, Joel 2:12 urges believers to return to God “with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
Some see intermittent fasting as a modern version of these ancient practices. While religious fasting is spiritual, time-restricted eating today is often aimed at physical benefits like weight loss and better focus.
Potential Health Benefits and Risks
Research has linked intermittent fasting to lower blood pressure, better heart health, improved brain function, and longer life. Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Mark Mattson, who has studied the topic for 25 years, says fasting may protect against diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
However, the long-term effects remain unclear. A 2024 study found that time-restricted eating may increase the risk of cardiovascular death. Experts caution that intermittent fasting is not suitable for everyone, including people with a history of eating disorders, young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with certain medical conditions.
Ohio cardiologist Dr. Lou Vadlamani said more research is needed to fully understand fasting’s impact on heart health. He noted that while concerns have been raised, no direct link has been proven.
Health experts recommend consulting a doctor before starting any fasting regimen.
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