Intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern alternating between periods of eating and fasting. A study revealed that one method of intermittent fasting, the 16:8 approach, may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, according to the Times of India. The 16:8 fasting method involves an 8-hour eating window followed by 16 hours of fasting. While this method offers various health benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity, reduced blood pressure, inflammation control, and better lipid levels, a study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome found that following this diet could more than double the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.

Previous studies have indicated that such extreme dietary routines may cause nutrient deficiencies, excessive hunger, headaches, irritability, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Based on data collected from 19,000 adults in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the study found that people who eat for less than 8 hours daily have a 135% higher chance of dying from cardiovascular diseases—such as heart attacks or strokes—compared to those who eat for 12-14 hours daily.

These associations remained consistent even when analyzing results across eight different subcategories, including race and socioeconomic factors.

The study also examined the relationship between intermittent fasting and cancer and all-cause mortality but found no link. Victor Wins Chung, the study’s lead author, stated: “Despite potential confounding factors, people should exercise extreme caution when following a short-term diet over many years to maintain cardiovascular health, which is not yet supported by any human studies.”

Earlier, a retrospective study by the American Heart Association in March 2024 claimed that 16-hour intermittent fasting is associated with a 91% increased risk of death from heart disease.