A dietary pattern known as intermittent fasting (IF) alternates between periods of fasting and eating. It has been more well-liked recently as an approach for losing weight and enhancing health. Recent study, however, raises the possibility that IF may affect men and women differently.
According to one study, males seem to lose more body fat during IF than women do. This might be brought on by variations in hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which control metabolism and body composition. For instance, testosterone has been reported to reduce body fat and improve muscular mass in men. Contrarily, it has been discovered that estrogen has the opposite impact on females. This may help to explain why men typically lose more body fat than women do during IF.
In addition, women might find it harder to follow an IF diet than males do. This might be because women are more likely than males to be sensitive to changes in body weight and composition. It may also be more difficult for women to adhere to a tight eating plan since they may have a larger desire to eat in reaction to emotional cues.
Another study discovered that women can crave and feel more hungry during IF than males. This can be because women’s hormones, which might impact appetite when they menstruate, change at that time. According to the study, women may find it more difficult to maintain IF during the luteal phase of their cycles, when hormone levels are at their maximum.
Despite these variations, IF has been shown to be successful in helping both men and women lose weight and improve certain health indicators. According to studies, IF can decrease body weight and body fat while also improving blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity.
It is crucial to remember that IF might not be appropriate for everyone, especially for people with specific medical issues like diabetes or eating disorders. It is usually advisable to speak with a medical expert before beginning an IF diet.
In conclusion, there is evidence to show that the consequences of IF on men and women may differ. Men may lose more body fat and find it simpler to follow their diet plans than women, who may find it more difficult and suffer greater hunger and cravings. Overall, though, IF can be a successful method for both sexes to lose weight and improve their health. Before beginning an IF diet, it’s vital to speak with a healthcare provider and pay attention to how your body feels.
References:
- Heilbronn, L. K., Smith, S. R., Martin, C. K., Anton, S. D., & Ravussin, E. (2005). Alternate-day fasting in nonobese subjects: effects on body weight, body composition, and energy metabolism. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 81(1), 69-73.
- Varady, K. A., & Hellerstein, M. K. (2007). Alternate day fasting and chronic disease prevention: a review of human and animal trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 86(1), 7-13.
- Harvie, M. N., Pegington, M., Mattson, M. P., Frystyk, J., Dillon, B., Evans, G., … & Cuzick, J. (2011). The effects of intermittent or continuous energy restriction on weight loss and metabolic disease risk markers: a randomized trial in young overweight women. International Journal of Obesity, 35(5), 714-727.
- Mattson, M. P., & Wan, R. (2005). Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 16(3), 129-137.
- Mansell, P. I., & Bridger, R. H. (1990). Effect of menstrual cycle phase on appetite, mood and cognitive function. British Journal of Psychology, 81(2), 347-357.
- Johnson, J. B., Laub, D. R., John, S., & Miles, C. W. (2005). Alternate day calorie restriction improves clinical findings and reduces markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in overweight adults with moderate asthma. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 39(5), 632-636.
- LeCheminant, J. D., & Phillips, P. T. (2017). Intermittent fasting: a review of human studies. The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1), 1-12.
