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Intermittent fasting disadvantages: what the research shows

Intermittent fasting has real drawbacks. Here's what research reveals about its disadvantages, side effects, and who should proceed with caution.

FastingInPractice Editors

Intermittent fasting has solid science behind its benefits, but research also identifies genuine disadvantages β€” from hunger and fatigue in the short term to hormonal disruption and muscle loss risk in specific populations. Most healthy adults tolerate it well, but knowing the downsides helps you decide whether it's right for you and how to minimise the risks. For all the positive headlines about intermittent fasting, the scientific literature is more nuanced than popular media suggests. Studies consistently show benefits for…

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