Cardiac mortality: this well-known diet increases the risk of death by 91%

It is an increasingly popular way of eating, particularly on social networks thanks to influencers. lifestyle. It is attributed with numerous virtues ranging from rapid weight loss until body cleansing. Very quickly, the followers declared themselves lighter, less tired… but little is known about its long-term effects. Hence the study carried out by Professor Victor Wenze Zhong of the School of Medicine of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China) and presented at a congress of theAmerican Heart Association in Chicago on March 18, 2024. “Restrict daily meal time to a short period, e.g. 8 hours a dayhas gained popularity in recent years […] However, the long-term health effects of time-restricted eating, including the risk of death from any cause or cardiovascular disease, are unknown. he explained. Behind the “time-limited” diet, researchers targeted intermittent fasting. It consists of eating only at certain times of the day with the aim of resting our body (and drawing on our fats).

Researchers surprised by their discovery

There are several types of intermittent fasting. Researchers focused on its most popular version says 16/8 in which meals are taken in a 8 hour window and fasting for the remaining 16 hours of the day. They analyzed data from 20,000 American adults from 2003 to 2018 based on self-reported information from their eating habits. They then linked these statements to national data of deceased persons in the USA. Result: intermittent fasting does not reduce the overall risk of death. On the other hand, and this is more worrying, followers of this diet had a risk of death from cardiovascular disease. 91% higher than the average. Furthermore, volunteers already suffering from cardiovascular disease and eating 8 to 10 hours per day had a 66% higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke. “We were surprised to find that people who followed a 16/8 fast were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Although this type of diet is popular because of its potential short-term benefits, our research clearly shows that compared to a typical meal duration of 12 to 16 hours per daya shorter meal duration is not not associated with longer life“ Professor Zhong explained.

Exercise caution

According to him, “it is crucial that patientsespecially those with heart disease or of a cancer, be aware of the association between an 8-hour eating window and increased risk of cardiovascular death. The results of our study encourage more cautious and personalized approach dietary recommendations, ensuring they match an individual’s health status and the latest scientific evidence”. However, if the study confirms “long-term adverse effects”, no deaths due to cardiovascular disease has been directly linked to 16/8 fasting. She did not consider the nutritional quality of its subjects’ meals or on their cardiovascular risk factors (weight, stress, etc.) and was based on self-declarations that could be altered by the participants’ memory, the authors emphasized. It therefore deserves to be confirmed by new research to examine the biological mechanisms which link meal times to cardiovascular risks.