Intermittent Fasting For Weight Loss Might Be Unsafe For Teenagers: Study Reveals

Intermittent fasting has become a popular method for weight loss and improving health. However, a new study suggests it may not be safe for teenagers, as it could interfere with their cell development.

Researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), LMU Hospital Munich, and Helmholtz Munich found that age plays a crucial role in how the body responds to intermittent fasting. The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, revealed that while intermittent fasting benefits adults, it may pose risks for children and teenagers.

Why is it unsafe for teens?

Intermittent fasting involves restricting eating to a specific six- to eight-hour window each day. It has been shown to help people with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease while also supporting weight loss. However, this new research indicates that fasting could disrupt the development of insulin-producing beta cells in young individuals.

In the study, adolescent, adult, and older mice were subjected to intermittent fasting, where they went without food for one day and ate normally for the next two days. After 10 weeks, the results showed that insulin sensitivity improved in both adult and older mice. This means their bodies responded better to insulin, helping regulate blood sugar levels and lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

However, adolescent mice experienced a decline in their beta cell function. These cells are responsible for producing insulin in the pancreas. Without enough insulin, blood sugar regulation can be disrupted, increasing the risk of diabetes and other metabolic problems.

"Intermittent fasting is usually thought to benefit beta cells, so we were surprised to find that young mice produced less insulin after extended fasting," said Leonardo Matta from Helmholtz Munich. The researchers also discovered that the beta cells in younger mice did not mature properly, leading to long-term issues.

By comparing their findings with human tissue data, the team found that individuals with Type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks beta cells-showed similar signs of impaired cell development.

Professor Stephan Herzig, director of the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer at Helmholtz Munich, emphasized the importance of these findings. "Our study confirms that intermittent fasting is beneficial for adults, but it might come with risks for children and teenagers," he stated.

While intermittent fasting remains a popular approach for improving health, this study highlights the need for caution when considering it for younger individuals. More research is needed to understand how fasting affects growing bodies and whether alternative dietary strategies might be safer for teenagers.