Intermittent fasting works because it allows our bodies to use fat stores for energy more quickly and effectively. Glucose from carbohydrates is our most direct source of fuel. When that isn’t available, we burn fat for energy. This happens more readily during periods of food deprivation.
Intermittent fasting can help you lose weight, improve your metabolic health and enhance the cellular repair processes of your body.
Intermittent fasting is a way of eating where you rotate between periods of not eating and eating. This method is effective for a few reasons.
- It triggers hormonal changes that promote fat breakdown and muscle preservation.1
- It also improves insulin sensitivity which helps control blood sugar.1
- During the fasting periods your body uses fat for energy which leads to a decrease in body weight and fat mass especially around organs.2
- Intermittent fasting can improve your metabolic health markers including insulin sensitivity, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.1
- Fasting triggers cellular repair processes which remove damaged components and recycle them for energy.3
- Intermittent fasting often reduces calorie intake which can lead to weight loss and metabolic health improvements. These benefits can occur without significant calorie restriction meaning that fasting itself has unique metabolic effects.1