Can intermittent fasting help you live longer?

Intermittent fasting, as discussed in The New England Journal of Medicine, presents a compelling approach to improving our health. Essentially, there are two main ways to do it. The first involves restricting your eating to a 6-8 hour window each day, followed by a 16-18 hour fasting period. The second method entails fasting for two non-consecutive days a week, typically consuming around 500 calories on those fasting days.

The benefits of intermittent fasting are quite intriguing. Research suggests it may help lower blood pressure, aid in weight loss, and even extend lifespan. Additionally, it's being investigated as a potential treatment or prevention method for serious health conditions such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

So how does intermittent fasting work its magic? When we fast intermittently, our bodies undergo a metabolic shift. Instead of relying on stored energy, we start burning fat for fuel, which can lead to improved cellular health.

Evidence from studies in both animals and humans supports the notion that intermittent fasting could lead to a longer life, a healthier heart, sharper cognitive function, and better blood sugar control.

However, intermittent fasting isn't without its challenges. Many people find it tough to stick to, especially initially. Hunger, irritability, and difficulty concentrating are common side effects. Additionally, while current research is promising, more studies are needed to fully understand its long-term effects, especially across different age groups.

If you're considering trying intermittent fasting, it's essential to take it slow and listen to your body. Those initial challenges tend to subside after about a week as your body adjusts. And as always, it's a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Lastly, while intermittent fasting can offer significant benefits, it's crucial to be mindful of your eating habits on non-fasting days. It's easy to overeat or indulge in unhealthy foods as a reward for sticking to your fasting plan.

In conclusion, intermittent fasting holds promise for improving health outcomes, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Proceed with caution, pay attention to your body's signals, and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Keep in mind that you should always inform your in-home personal trainer for seniors. They need to be aware of your diet so they can give you the right exercises and intensity for your functional goals (improving strength, balance, mobility, walking or gait, etc). If you have a disease or condition, such as Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis, be sure to consult with your doctor that your fasting schedule won’t negatively affect your medication schedule or effectiveness.

Why You Gain Weight Faster as You Get Older and What To Do About It

Why Do We Gain Weight Faster As We Get Older?

We feel your pain, and the answer may shock you.

Keeping weight in check becomes more challenging with age, and Karolinska Institutet's recent research helps explain why. The study reveals that lipid turnover in fat tissue decreases during aging, making weight gain easier, even without changes in diet or exercise. Published in Nature Medicine, the study tracked 54 individuals over 13 years, finding a consistent decrease in lipid turnover for all, resulting in a 20% weight gain for those who didn't adjust their calorie intake. This discovery, independent of lifestyle factors, sheds light on how our bodies regulate weight changes as we age.

The research, conducted in collaboration with Uppsala University in Sweden and the University of Lyon in France, extends its insights to bariatric surgery. Analyzing lipid turnover in 41 women post-surgery, the study indicates that those with a low turnover rate before the surgery were more successful in maintaining weight loss over the following four to seven years. This suggests that individuals with room for improvement in lipid turnover may benefit more from surgical interventions.

Professor Peter Arner, a key author of the study, emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the results, highlighting that fat tissue processes independently regulate age-related weight changes. The findings open up new possibilities for treating obesity by understanding the underlying mechanisms in fat tissue. The research also aligns with prior studies, emphasizing the role of increased physical activity in speeding up lipid turnover. Combining exercise with weight-loss efforts, as indicated by the study, may enhance long-term outcomes. Senior researcher Kirsty Spalding underscores the global significance of comprehending lipid dynamics in addressing the widespread challenges of obesity and related diseases. The study received support from various organizations, reflecting the collective effort in advancing obesity research.