Fasting and growing - is that possible?

Fasting is not a new concept. Religious fasting traditions such as the Muslim Ramadan have existed for over 1000 years. Time-limited eating has also been used in medicine for a long time.

Today, however, fasting is often seen as a trend or lifestyle. Those who practise it hope to improve their metabolic health, regulate their body weight or even extend their life expectancy. The most commonly used forms of fasting are intermittent fasting and fasting over a longer period of time.

Intermittent fasting, also known as intermittent fast ing, involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. Popular variants are the 16/8 method (fasting for 16 hours and eating meals within an 8-hour window) and alternate-day fasting (alternating between fasting on one day or consuming a maximum of 500 calories and eating as you please the next day). Extended fasting involves abstaining from food for 24 hours to several days.

Questionable detoxification

The current study situation now shows the following: While the effects of intermittent fasting on health, especially cardiovascular health, as well as weight management are positive, you should steer clear of unaccompanied fasting over a longer period of time.

Some of the advertised effects cannot be proven and the few positive effects cannot compensate for the side effects. This is because a healthy body detoxifies itself. The often used argument of detoxification is a marketing ploy. There is still a lack of evidence about the waste products that need to be eliminated. Although the weight loss is great at the beginning, it is primarily water loss - which is usually compensated for when the previous eating habits are resumed.

Paradoxically, prolonged fasting can even inhibit weight loss in the long term. Due to the low food intake and inhibited protein synthesis, the metabolism is slowed down, which increases the risk of faster weight gain.

Children and adolescents should not take part in the fasting trend.

Going without food for long periods means a lot of stress for the body and is associated with the formation of harmful substances such as ketones.

However, fasting can be a good way to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and a more balanced diet. Fasting for medical reasons or to cure an illness should only be carried out under medical supervision.

Fasting for children

Despite the possible positive effects on health, children and adolescents should not join in the fasting trend. Young people need important nutrients for their growth and development. Fasting can affect their ability to meet these needs, which can impact their overall health.

During crucial growth phases, fasting can even hinder growth and lead to developmental problems. Fasting as a lifestyle is therefore not suitable for children and adolescents. Instead, the focus should be on healthy eating habits, a balanced diet and regular physical activity - regardless of age.