Intermittent Fasting: “New Kid on the Block or Old Wine in a New Bottle?”

Respected Sir, Apropos the article “Intermittent Fasting: Harmonizing the Metabolic Milieu” published in the editorial of the latest edition of the Journal of Marine Medical Society.1 At the outset, it is submitted that the article which is the need of the hour addresses the various facets of this weight loss strategy very succinctly and clearly. The authors have elucidated the subtle differences between calorie restriction, portion control, and intermittent fasting in a simple and clear manner. They have amply explained the molecular basis and the metabolic switch that is posited for the efficacy of intermittent fasting, intermittent fasting has gained huge traction in recent times and is trending worldwide ever since the British physician Dr. Mosley rekindled the interest in intermittent fasting.2 It would be pertinent to state that intermittent fasting or periods of not eating has been there in our society the world over and have become ritualized and imbued with religious significance in many cultures. In the Hindu religion, fasting practices are the norm in many families often depending on individual devotion to particular gods and specific festivals. In Hinduism, fasting varies from total abstention to eating one meal a day or only eating certain food types. It is widely practiced by all communities in India and other countries where Hinduism has spread. In Christianity too, fasting was prevalent for lent, especially in winter times, when food was scarce. The Catholic calendar is clearly marked with specific fasting days In Islam, every person practicing the Muslim faith observes fasting during the holy month of Ramadan wherein they are forbidden to eat any food or drink fluids from sunrise until sunset each day. Jews fast during the festival of Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av, However, due to the worldwide explosion of the obesity pandemic which is only matched by the exponential research and advances in metabolic medicine, there has been a resurgence and popular interest in intermittent fasting.3 Further, many anti-obesity medications except the Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP 1 RA) have not stood the test of time. Even with GLP 1 RA, only time would tell if it has long-term safety and efficacy. Hence, further research and well-conceived and implemented large-scale trials into the health benefits and science of intermittent fasting are the need of the hour.4 Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.