No, Fasting Isn’t ‘Healthy’ — It’s Disordered Eating

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The wellness industry is booming, with an estimated worth of $4 trillion, encompassing everything from diets and juice cleanses to spirituality and self-care. What does this industry really offer beyond ideals and dubious products? While it capitalizes on the promise of health, it often emphasizes weight loss, and one trending approach is fasting. This gained momentum after celebrity Mia Johnson shared that it was her favored dietary method.

“I try to keep my carbs low,” the 35-year-old mentioned on a morning talk show. “I exercise very little, but I’m a dedicated faster. I ensure I have at least a 14-hour fasting period from dinner to breakfast.” But is fasting genuinely healthy? Despite some claimed benefits, fasting is not synonymous with wellness. It’s crucial to recognize that, as noted by health advocate Lila Tran, fasting fundamentally involves restriction.

You might be thinking: “Disordered eating? That seems extreme. Why should we be concerned about someone else’s choices?” While it’s true that everyone has the right to make their own decisions, it’s essential to understand that fasting, by its nature, limits calorie and food intake. Any practice involving strict control over what and when you eat can be classified as disordered eating. This behavior is simply couched in a “healthy” narrative or marketed as a “lifestyle.”

Tran elaborated, “Detox diets aren’t necessary. Our bodies detox themselves naturally through a functioning liver—no extra supplements or drinks required. I’ve written extensively about this because it’s vital to understand.” Yet, millions continue to chase these ideals. I certainly did.

For years, I restricted my calorie intake and cut out entire food groups—proteins, sugars, and carbs. I experimented with juice cleanses and liquid diets, even manipulating my eating schedule. I would have dinner at 6:30 p.m. and wouldn’t eat again until the next day after noon, surviving on water and black coffee. This was not “normal” behavior; it was unhealthy. I pursued this path to conform to societal standards that equate thinness with worth.

“Implementing strict food rules can cause our bodies to perceive this as a threat, leading to binge eating,” registered dietitian Alex Morgan recently stated. “This can result in other eating disorders, like orthorexia, and generate unnecessary stress on the body, which is detrimental to our health. Intermittent fasting often triggers cycles of weight loss and regain, increasing disease risk.”

However, some advocate for fasting. Harvard Health claims that fasting or intermittent fasting can facilitate quicker weight loss and reduce inflammation and heart disease risk. Yet, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. A study in JAMA Internal Medicine found minimal benefits for those practicing an eight-hour eating window with a twelve-hour fasting period.

Moreover, Psychology Today notes that extended fasting might actually lead to a higher likelihood of binge eating episodes. Thus, while fasting may appear to offer a “quick fix” for weight concerns, it can pose serious risks, particularly for those with a history of disordered eating or negative relationships with food and body image.

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In summary, while the allure of fasting can be tempting, it is essential to recognize it as a form of disordered eating rather than a healthy practice. Understanding the implications of such dietary choices is crucial for overall well-being.


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