Metabolic effects of intermittent fasting (literature review)

Intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating have been widely considered in the last decade as an alternative approach to body weight control and improving metabolic health. The 16/8 and 18/6 regimes are particularly popular, while once-daily eating is a more extreme option. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, risks, and limitations of these approaches in different populations. Research Objective: The aim of the review article is to show that obesity-related morbidity and mortality is a global medical challenge. The paper analyzes the data of scientific studies, establishing a connection between the involvement of the nutritional process - the onset, further progression, quality of life, and outcome of obesity and a number of related diseases. Research Materials and Methods: The study uses the method of analyzing the existing scientific literature on the metabolic effects of intermittent fasting. Results and Discussion: In recent years, technological advances in molecular, microbial genetics, and genetically modified foods have allowed us to say that humans have developed an eating disorder, with episodes of starvation and overeating. Conclusion: It can be said that periodic starvation/time-restricted feeding may be a viable tool in selected individuals, but it does not represent a universal or metabolically unique strategy. The available data on single-meal feeding are limited and do not allow for convincing recommendations.