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3. Why Is Intermittent Fasting So Appealing Today?

Praised for its positive impact on weight management and health, intermittent fasting has become a lasting trend. More than just a diet, it’s evolving into a lifestyle. What are its advantages, and who can it benefit? Let’s take a closer look.

Once primarily associated with religious practices, fasting has reemerged in a more flexible, accessible form—intermittent fasting—becoming a popular lifestyle choice. The principle is simple: alternate between fasting and eating periods within the same day or week.

Among the most common methods is the 16/8 approach—16 hours of fasting followed by an 8-hour eating window. This is typically practiced by skipping breakfast and eating between noon and 8 PM. But there are other variations to suit individual preferences and goals:

14/10: A gentler version of the 16/8, ideal for beginners, with 14 hours of fasting and 10 hours for eating.

18/6: A more intensive option, with 18 hours of fasting and just 6 hours for eating, often adopted by those with prior experience.

5:2: Eat normally for five days, then limit calorie intake (around 500-600 kcal) on two non-consecutive days.

OMAD (One Meal A Day): Involves eating just one meal per day within a 1- to 2-hour window. While effective, this is demanding and not recommended for long-term use without medical supervision.

Alternate-day fasting: This method alternates between a day of complete or partial fasting and a day of normal eating. While it can be more challenging to fit into everyday life, it remains a less commonly practiced approach.

What makes intermittent fasting so appealing is the opportunity to return to the essentials. It allows individuals to break free from constant snacking and restore a more mindful and intentional relationship with food. Why has it become so popular? Because intermittent fasting caters to various needs: weight loss, enhanced health, more energy or simply reducing the daily overwhelm of food-related distractions. In a world where many of us overeat, eat fast and poorly, intermittent fasting offers a welcome pause.

Emerging research, still in progress but promising, shows positive effects on metabolism, including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced blood sugar levels, lower inflammation markers and better cholesterol regulation. The New England Journal of Medicine even suggests intermittent fasting could enhance longevity and some brain functions by promoting cellular regeneration processes like autophagy.

However, intermittent fasting is not just about weight loss. While it helps reduce body fat, especially abdominal fat, by encouraging the body to tap into fat reserves, it also acts as a hormonal reset. Leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, is better regulated, as is ghrelin, which stimulates appetite.

Many practitioners report increased energy, improved focus and better sleep. These benefits explain why this method is currently favored not just by nutritionists, but also by elite athletes, busy professionals and wellness enthusiasts alike.

A Trend Driven by the ‘Less Is More’ Philosophy

Intermittent fasting goes beyond a simple dietary change, it is a minimalist philosophy. It’s about consuming less, making better choices and reconnecting with our basic needs. It’s also a form of social “detox,” countering overconsumption and the pressure of constant eating.

The growing popularity of intermittent fasting can be largely credited to media attention and celebrity endorsements. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Hugh Jackman and Kourtney Kardashian have embraced the practice, helping it become trendy. However, beyond the buzz, many people report positive results when practiced correctly.

Caution: intermittent fasting isn’t suitable for everyone. Those with eating disorders, adolescents, pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with diabetes should either avoid or modify the practice. It’s not about deprivation, but about adjusting eating patterns. To reap the benefits, meals should be balanced, nutrient-dense and not just compensatory.

Another important point is the risk of becoming overly rigid. For some, intermittent fasting may become an obsession or even a social burden. It is crucial that the goal of the practice remains to serve the body and not vice versa.

What works for one person may not work for another. There is no universal “best” formula. The approach should be tailored to individual lifestyles, work schedules, and physical needs. Some might prefer skipping breakfast, others may opt for an early dinner. The most important thing is to listen to your body and avoid pushing it too hard.

Before starting, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional, especially for those with chronic illnesses. Follow-ups can also help avoid common mistakes, such as dehydration, inadequate calorie intake or prolonged fatigue.

Ultimately, intermittent fasting’s appeal lies in its ability to reconnect us with a more conscious approach to eating. It’s not about following another trendy diet, but about pausing, giving ourselves time and reevaluating our relationship with hunger and satiety.