Intermittent fasting promises better health and longer life, but does it work? We asked an expert from a medical weight loss clinic.

There’s a ton of promising weight loss diets available today. No doubt you’ve heard of intermittent fasting. It’s one of the most popular ways to promote weight loss. Unlike crash diets which cause your weight to fluctuate, intermittent fasting is a lifestyle transformation that promises to boost your overall health and wellness.

We asked a specialist from a medical weight loss clinic in Shelby Township to tell us more about the pros and cons of intermittent fasting in relation to weight loss.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting, or commonly known as IF, is a very popular diet or lifestyle concept where you spend more hours fasting than eating. There are several different ways to do intermittent fasting. Some spend 14 to 20 hours everyday fasting or not eating. Some choose to fast twice a week. It’s not as bad as it sounds. You’ll be sleeping most of it, really. It really depends on you. 

The science behind intermittent fasting is simple. When you’re eating, glucose is absorbed and used to produce energy. While fasting, blood glucose levels in the body decrease and fat cells are oxidized for energy. Basically, after hours without food, the body exhausts its sugar stores and starts burning fat for energy. 

Intermittent fasting is a very popular weight loss method that can also help you live a longer and overall healthier life.

What are the benefits of intermittent fasting?

1. Weight loss

Generally speaking, intermittent fasting will make you eat fewer meals, which usually means fewer calories. Additionally, intermittent fasting enhances hormone function to facilitate weight loss. Lower insulin levels, higher human growth hormone levels, and increased amounts of noradrenaline all boost the breakdown of body fat so the body can use it as energy.

Through enhancing your hormone function, short-term fasting increases your metabolic rate helping you burn even more calories. It boosts your metabolic rate and reduces the amount of food you eat.

2. Reduced risk of diabetes

Sugar and processed carbohydrates flood your bloodstream, causing your body to produce a lot of insulin. Your insulin levels will continue to rise as you consume food. Your body’s cells can become resistant to insulin if your system continuously produces insulin. When we choose to fast, we allow insulin levels to stabilize first. This will help prevent insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. If you currently have diabetes, do consult with your doctor first before trying out intermittent fasting.

3. May improve heart health

Globally, heart disease is the leading cause of death. There are a lot of risk factors associated with the risk of heart disease. Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve numerous different risk factors, including:

• Reduced blood pressure
• Decreased blood lipid and cholesterol levels
• Stabilized blood glucose levels
• Lowered inflammatory markers

Just a word of caution that more in-depth studies on humans and the effects of fasting on heart health are needed to make better recommendations.

What are the potential pitfalls of intermittent fasting?

Unfortunately, intermittent fasting is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor about intermittent fasting if you’re thinking about it. Some people should steer clear of trying intermittent fasting:

• People with certain conditions, such as diabetes 
• Children and teens under age 18
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Patients who take medications for blood pressure or heart disease may also be more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances
• Those with a history of eating disorders

What is the best way to lose weight?

Intermittent fasting is a really great way to lose weight. Not only does it have tons of health benefits, but intermittent fasting can help you lose weight. 

But we all know that dieting alone is not the only factor in your weight loss journey. There are various factors at play when you want to lose weight, such as physical activity and hormones. Sometimes, you just need a little boost to help you lose weight. 

Experts recommend visiting a medical weight loss clinic. Medical weight loss provides a holistic approach to weight loss. It’s also the fastest, safest, and most effective way to lose weight and keep it off long-term.

Learn More Here: How To Overcome Food Cravings by Medical Weight Loss Center Shelby Township

A medical weight loss program usually includes FDA-approved medications and injections to suppress your appetite and increase metabolism. Also provided are nutrition counseling, hormone therapy, and a tracker to monitor your results and progress. If you’re in Shelby Town, then you’re in luck! The best medical weight loss clinic is in town.

In addition to helping you lose weight, medical weight loss programs also equip you with the knowledge and tools to enjoy sustainable results for a long time.

Are you ready to become a healthier version of you?

Michigan Integrative Health (MIH) Medical Weight Loss Clinic understands how each person’s body differs from others. In our weight loss programs, we don’t use the “one size fits all” philosophy.

Our medical weight loss program is personalized to one’s goals, lifestyle and habits, and medical history.

Throughout the program, we will monitor your progress with the help of our doctors, medical technicians, nutritionists, and coaches. Are you ready for a better and healthier version of yourself?

Our MIH Medical Weight Loss Clinic in Shelby Township offers different solutions to help you achieve your health goals.

If you are tired of fad diets and workouts that simply do not work, contact us at (586) 800-2249 for a consultation to help you lose weight and enjoy life to its fullest!