Renowned television doctor Dr Karan Rajan has issued a stark warning about the popular dieting trend of intermittent fasting, emphasising that it is far from a universal solution for health and wellness. In a recent appearance on The Independent's Well Enough podcast, Dr Rajan dismantled common misconceptions surrounding this widely promoted dietary approach.
Limited Benefits Beyond Natural Fasting
Dr Rajan explained that intermittent fasting provides no substantial advantages over the body's natural overnight fasting period. He clarified that while some evidence points to potential increases in beneficial gut bacteria and easier calorie management through condensed meal times, these effects are not transformative. The doctor stressed that the practice should not be viewed as a miraculous cure-all, but rather as a modest dietary adjustment with specific, limited applications.
Significant Risks for Vulnerable Populations
The medical expert highlighted several groups for whom intermittent fasting could be particularly hazardous. Pregnant individuals, those experiencing heavy menstrual cycles, children, elderly people, and individuals on medication or with pre-existing conditions like diabetes should avoid this dieting method. Dr Rajan described fasting as "counterintuitive" for these demographics, potentially exacerbating health issues rather than alleviating them.
Cardiovascular Dangers Revealed
Perhaps most alarmingly, Dr Rajan referenced a large-scale scientific study indicating a dramatic increase in cardiovascular mortality risk associated with restrictive eating windows. The research found that confining daily food consumption to less than eight hours was linked to a 135 per cent higher likelihood of dying from heart-related diseases. This finding underscores the potential long-term dangers of aggressive fasting regimens that many enthusiasts might overlook in pursuit of quick weight loss results.
Balancing Diet Trends with Medical Reality
Dr Rajan's comments come amid growing public fascination with various dieting fads, particularly those promising rapid results through simple behavioural changes. While acknowledging that intermittent fasting might work for some healthy adults under medical supervision, he cautioned against its blanket application. The doctor emphasised the importance of personalised nutritional approaches that consider individual health statuses, rather than adopting one-size-fits-all solutions promoted through social media and celebrity endorsements.
This medical perspective serves as a crucial reminder that dietary choices should be informed by scientific evidence and professional guidance, rather than trending popularity alone. As intermittent fasting continues to capture public imagination, Dr Rajan's warnings provide necessary context about its limitations and dangers, particularly for those most vulnerable to its potential adverse effects.
