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EFFECTS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING ON THE BODY

Abstract

Intermittent fasting is not a diet, but a diet schedule that is purported to accelerate fat loss and muscle growth compared to traditional eating schedules. It is suggested that intermittent fasting often yields equivalent benefits as traditional low-calorie diets in regard to changes in fat mass, alleviating discomfort due to low energy, improving insulin sensitivity, and improving blood lipid profiles. Currently the bulk of scientific evidence for the health benefits of intermittent fasting has come from animal studies. Although more and more human studies are being conducted to validate claims found in animals, many studies are with patients with a certain illness or condition (i.e. Rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, obesity) and not in healthy individuals. PURPOSE: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how intermittent fasting effects body composition, weight, and blood lipid levels. METHODS: Fourteen (9 experimental, 5 control) healthy adults ages 21 – 54 participated in this study. Skin fold, DEXA, and blood lipid panels were collected prior to the start of a six-week intermittent fasting schedule (8-hour time frame to consume all caloric needs for the day), as well as at the conclusion of six weeks. A post-test questionnaire was given to all participants in the experimental group. RESULTS: Significant differences (p < .05) were seen in pre- and post-tests between control and experimental groups for total cholesterol (p = .04) and LDL (p = .044). CONCLUSION: Although not statistically significant the experimental group lost 4x more weight than the control (p = .06), .54% more overall body composition (p = .24), and increased HDL by 4.33 (p = .14).

Lewis-Clark State College Institutional Development Grant

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