{"id":3685,"date":"2020-07-14T18:06:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-14T18:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=3685"},"modified":"2025-10-08T11:26:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T19:26:01","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About Fasting: A look at the research"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#Types_of_Fasting\" >Types of Fasting<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#Intermittent_Fasting\" >Intermittent Fasting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#Alternate-day_Fasting\" >Alternate-day Fasting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#The_5_2_Method\" >The 5:2 Method<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#The_Warrior_Diet\" >The Warrior Diet<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#Is_fasting_effective_for_weight_loss\" >Is fasting effective for weight loss?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#So_given_the_evidence_how_should_we_approach_fasting\" >So, given the evidence, how should we approach fasting?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#How_to_Control_Your_Caloric_Intake\" >How to Control Your Caloric Intake<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#The_Benefits_of_Fasting\" >The Benefits of Fasting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#A_Final_Note_on_the_Research_Behind_Fasting_as_a_Dietary_Practice\" >A Final Note on the Research Behind Fasting as a Dietary Practice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#Additional_Resources\" >Additional Resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#More_About_Metabolism_with_Biochemistry_Videos_on_Osmosis\" >More About Metabolism with Biochemistry Videos on Osmosis&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\/#About_the_Author\" >About the Author<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dieting interventions that promise rapid improvement in health and body composition seem to pop up periodically. In recent years, fasting has gained significant momentum. A simple internet search will reveal several articles highlighting the benefits of fasting, but it might be a good idea to dig a little deeper into these claims. Are they really valid?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ketone body metabolism\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_pmnJU37ZzM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Fasting\"><\/span>Types of Fasting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Humans have been fasting for various reasons for a long, long time. Fasting is an umbrella term, and there are several ways it can be accomplished.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Intermittent_Fasting\"><\/span>Intermittent Fasting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fasting method that appears most often in popular culture is&nbsp;<strong>intermittent fasting (IF)<\/strong>. People following this method have a&nbsp;<strong>specific time window in which they can eat<\/strong>, which varies by individual, but the most common is an 8-hour feeding window.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alternate-day_Fasting\"><\/span>Alternate-day Fasting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Alternate-day fasting<\/strong>&nbsp;is <span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">when you eat with&nbsp;<strong>no restrictions one day<\/strong><\/span><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>and<strong>&nbsp;fast the next day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_5_2_Method\"><\/span>The 5:2 Method<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the&nbsp;<strong>5:2 method<\/strong>, you eat with&nbsp;<strong>no restrictions for 5 days&nbsp;<\/strong>and<strong>&nbsp;then fast for 2 days<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Warrior_Diet\"><\/span>The Warrior Diet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;<strong>warrior diet<\/strong>&nbsp;is where you&nbsp;<strong>fast the whole day<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>eat one large meal at the end of the day<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_85b368.png\" alt=\"Osmosis illustration of different fasting diet types.\" class=\"wp-image-3687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_85b368.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_85b368.png?resize=300,200 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_fasting_effective_for_weight_loss\"><\/span>Is fasting effective for weight loss?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking at the available evidence,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6128599\/#REF10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fasting protocols do show weight loss when compared to eating normally<\/a>. However, when fasting protocols are compared to continuous energy restriction protocols,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/26384657\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&nbsp;the effect appears to be similar<\/a>. In other words,&nbsp;<strong>fasting is not superior to continuous calorie restriction<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This also means that the weight loss associated with fasting is most likely due to energy restriction rather than the act of fasting alone. A quote from the&nbsp;<em>Molecular &amp; Cellular Endocrinology<\/em>&nbsp;study linked above might help bring the point home: \u201cIntermittent fasting thus represents a valid\u2014albeit apparently not superior\u2014option to continuous energy restriction for weight loss.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_given_the_evidence_how_should_we_approach_fasting\"><\/span>So, given the evidence, how should we approach fasting?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t like to restrict your food intake all the time but don\u2019t mind fasting for a few days out of the week, full-day fasting methods help you restrict calories. If you\u2019re always busy in the morning or don\u2019t mind skipping breakfast, limiting your food intake during the afternoon and evenings might be a way to restrict calories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fasting in and of itself is not going to result in weight loss if the calories are not restricted. However, it can be an effective way of controlling the amount of calories you consume. If you consume calorically dense food in your non-fasting days or hours to the point where you\u2019re eating more calories than you use, this can hinder weight loss. Thus, the majority of the time (80\u201390%), it\u2019s best to stick with highly nutritious whole foods during your meals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fasting is not going to be suitable for everyone<\/strong>. If you don\u2019t like being hungry, then fasting methods (though effective during the short term) may not be effective in the long run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_65cb52.png\" alt=\"Osmosis illustration of various caloric densities. \" class=\"wp-image-3688\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_65cb52.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_65cb52.png?resize=300,201 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Control_Your_Caloric_Intake\"><\/span>How to Control Your Caloric Intake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several ways to control calories, and it\u2019s important to find the one that works for you. Real talk for a second:&nbsp;<em>if you don\u2019t enjoy restricting your caloric intake but want to lose weight, I would still recommend picking the best of the worst.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re going to go through all this effort anyway, you might as well add some activity to your lifestyle, too. This can be in the form of regular walks, runs, group classes, sports, and strength training at the gym. Resistance training can be a great adjustment to an effective weight-loss program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Benefits_of_Fasting\"><\/span>The Benefits of Fasting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several other benefits have been associated with fasting, including cognitive benefits, anti-aging, autophagy (clearing out damaged cells to make room for newer, healthier ones), and increased neuronal plasticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Final_Note_on_the_Research_Behind_Fasting_as_a_Dietary_Practice\"><\/span>A Final Note on the Research Behind Fasting as a Dietary Practice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/26135345\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clinical research studies of fasting with robust designs and high levels of clinical evidence are sparse in the literature.<\/a>\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research in fasting outcomes amounts to very little. Many of the conclusions you may have read about on health and fitness blogs rely on animal models\u2014research that includes humans as subjects is very limited.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although promising, there is still a significant amount of work that needs to be done before we can be conclusive about the outcomes of fasting on humans.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_42c972.png\" alt=\"Osmosis illustration of people participating in a fitness class.\" class=\"wp-image-3689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_42c972.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_42c972.png?resize=300,200 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Resources\"><\/span>Additional Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5913738\/?fbclid=IwAR2GCyXu0SNVALQwPHmHU4dx8upld3kUeVNPpk1riOMnApPenAYq6ddLz3s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Intermittent metabolic switching, neuroplasticity and brain health<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/m\/pubmed\/31151228\/?i=3&amp;from=autophagy%20fasting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Early Time-Restricted Feeding Improves 24-Hour Glucose Levels and Affects Markers of the Circadian Clock, Aging, and Autophagy in Humans<\/a>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_About_Metabolism_with_Biochemistry_Videos_on_Osmosis\"><\/span>More About Metabolism with Biochemistry Videos on Osmosis&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Fatty_acid_synthesis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fatty acid synthesis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Fatty_acid_oxidation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fatty acid oxidation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Ketone_body_metabolism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ketone body metabolism<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Glycolysis?section=Physiology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Glycolysis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Amino_acid_metabolism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amino acid metabolism<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_the_Author\"><\/span>About the Author<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ishan Dahal is the Osmosis health and wellness coach. When he&#8217;s not working out with his Osmosis teammates or brushing up on health and wellness literature, he&#8217;s spending time with his family, going on long walks with an audiobook, or contemplating what vegetables he will get next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_c6b39a.png\" alt=\"Osmosis display ad.\" class=\"wp-image-3691\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_c6b39a.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_c6b39a.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><strong><em>Try Osmosis today! Access your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login?type=create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>&nbsp;and find out why millions of clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dieting interventions that promise rapid improvement in health and body composition seem to pop up periodically. In recent years, fasting has gained significant momentum. A simple internet search will reveal several articles highlighting the benefits of fasting, but it might be a good idea to dig a little deeper into these claims. Are they really [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":233,"featured_media":3686,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-wellness","category-research"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What You Need to Know About Fasting: A look at the research - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-fasting-a-look-at-the-research\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What You Need to Know About Fasting: A look at the research - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dieting interventions that promise rapid improvement in health and body composition seem to pop up periodically. In recent years, fasting has gained significant momentum. A simple internet search will reveal several articles highlighting the benefits of fasting, but it might be a good idea to dig a little deeper into these claims. 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A 27-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician for evaluation of recurrent headache over\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Allopathic Medicine (MD)&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Allopathic Medicine (MD)","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/category\/medicine"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-unilateral-headache-with-photopohobia.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-unilateral-headache-with-photopohobia.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-unilateral-headache-with-photopohobia.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/usmle-unilateral-headache-with-photopohobia.webp 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3685"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8429,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3685\/revisions\/8429"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3686"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}