In the mid-1960s, a Scottish man named Angus Barbieri fasted for more than a year. For a total of 382 days, he survived on liquids, vitamins, and some yeast, ultimately losing 276 pounds. He undertook the fast (under medical supervision) to lose weight in his pursuit of better health.
The practice of fasting for health benefits dates back to the fifth century B.C.E. when Hippocrates recommended fasting for certain illnesses. By the 1800s, fasting was being studied for its potential health effects.
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting (IF) is the practice of restricting eating to certain times, also known as time-restricted eating. After a substantial time without eating, the body uses up its glycogen (sugar) stores and starts burning fat.
This process is known as metabolism switching. This leads to increased ketone levels, which stimulates weight loss. In addition to weight loss, IF can positively influence other aspects of health.
