The largest intermittent fasting study ever conducted, tracking 500,000 adults over 8 years, has produced definitive results about who benefits from time-restricted eating and who should avoid it.
Key Findings
- 16:8 fasting reduced type 2 diabetes risk by 25% in overweight adults
- No significant benefit for normal-weight individuals
- Skipping breakfast associated with 20% higher stroke risk in people over 65
- Best results seen with eating window of 10am-6pm
Who Should Fast
The study found clear benefits for overweight and obese adults under 65, with the strongest effects on blood sugar regulation and visceral fat reduction. However, those with eating disorder history, pregnant women, and seniors showed no benefit or potential harm.
