.svg.avif)
Intermittent fasting isn't suitable for everyone. This guide is essential reading before you start, especially if you fall into one of the categories below.
Pregnant or breastfeeding people
Nutritional and calorie needs increase significantly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Restricting your feeding window without medical supervision can affect both mother and baby.
Minors
Children and adolescents have nutritional needs specific to growth and development; intermittent fasting is not recommended for this age group.
People with a history of eating disorders
Recent research, including studies published in specialist journals and summarised by PMC, shows an association between restricting feeding windows and an increased risk of disordered eating behaviours in people who are predisposed to them. For anyone with a history of anorexia, bulimia or binge eating, intermittent fasting may be contraindicated or require specialist supervision.
People with diabetes or medication that can cause hypoglycaemia
According to Johns Hopkins resources for patients with diabetes, fasting can interact dangerously with certain medications (insulin, sulfonylureas) and can cause episodes of hypoglycaemia. Any adjustment to your meal schedule should be made together with your treating doctor.
People taking medication that must be taken with food
Some medications need to be taken alongside food for proper absorption or to avoid stomach irritation. Prolonged fasting can interfere with these treatment schedules.
Other situations that call for caution
- People who are underweight or have nutritional deficiencies
- People with complex chronic conditions (severe kidney, liver or cardiovascular disease)
- Performance athletes during periods of heavy training load, without specialist guidance
- People with high chronic stress or unresolved sleep problems
The bottom line
Institutions such as Mayo Clinic point out that the long-term benefits and risks of intermittent fasting are not yet fully understood for every population. If you fall into one of the situations above, or have any medical condition, talk to your doctor before starting any intermittent fasting protocol.
Sources and references
- Bastyr University — 5 Times You Should Avoid Intermittent Fasting
- Johns Hopkins Patient Guide to Diabetes — An Overview of Intermittent Fasting
- Mayo Clinic News Network — Long-term benefits and risks of intermittent fasting aren't yet known
- PMC — Intermittent fasting and disordered eating risk
- PMC — Intermittent Fasting: Efficacy, Safety, and its Impact on Body Composition
It's not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical supervision, because of the increased nutritional needs during these periods.
It's not recommended for minors, as they have nutritional needs specific to growth and development.
Always talk to your doctor before starting if you take medication that needs to be taken with food or that can cause hypoglycaemia.
.svg)
