Is intermittent fasting a fad or a scientifically proven diet?

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting, focusing on when you eat rather than what you eat. Common methods include the 16/8 approach, where individuals fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window, and the 5:2 method, which involves normal eating five days a week and consuming restricted calories on two non-consecutive days. 

Scientific studies have shown that intermittent fasting can be effective for weight loss, primarily by reducing calorie intake. However, its impact on other health markers, such as inflammation levels and lifespan extension, appears to be minimal. While animal studies have suggested potential benefits like improved brain health and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, human research has produced mixed results, indicating that more studies are needed to confirm these effects. 

Real-life examples illustrate how individuals incorporate intermittent fasting into their routines. For instance, Luann de Lesseps, known from "The Real Housewives of New York City," maintains her fitness at 59 by practicing intermittent fasting, eating within an eight-hour window, and avoiding late-night meals to enhance digestion and sleep quality.  Similarly, Dr. Nathaniel Chin, medical director for the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention, follows a regimen where he consumes his first meal between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and his last meal around 7 p.m., aiming to manage metabolic health and potentially reduce dementia risk.