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Fasting to lose weight could raise risk of diabetes, new study suggests

Public Health England has launched a campaign to cut calorie consumption: PA
Public Health England has launched a campaign to cut calorie consumption: PA

Fasting to shed the pounds could lead to the development of diabetes and have other damaging side effects on health, a new study suggests.

Fasting-based diets may impair the action of insulin, the sugar-regulating hormone, and lead to an increased risk of the disease.

A group of scientists made the conclusion at the European Society of Endocrinology’s annual meeting following the study on rats.

Researchers also said that care should be taken before starting such diet programmes.

Warning: Food giants are being targeted by the World Health Organisation in a major drive to tackle childhood obesity (PA)
Warning: Food giants are being targeted by the World Health Organisation in a major drive to tackle childhood obesity (PA)

Ana Bonassa, whose team from the University of São Paulo in Brazil carried out the study, said: “This is the first study to show that, despite weight loss, intermittent fasting diets may actually damage the pancreas and affect insulin function in normal healthy individuals, which could lead to diabetes and serious health issues.”

Researchers at São Paulo examined the effects of fasting every other day on the bodyweight, free radical levels and insulin function of normal adult rats over a period of three months.

It found that while the rats’ bodyweight and food intake decreased, the amount of fat tissue in their abdomen increased.

Additionally, cells of the pancreas that release insulin showed damage. There was also a presence of increased levels of free radicals and markers of insulin resistance.

Ms Bonassa added: “We should consider that overweight or obese people who opt for intermittent fasting diets may already have insulin resistance, so although this diet may lead to early, rapid weight loss, in the long-term there could be potentially serious damaging effects to their health, such as the development of type 2 diabetes.”

There has been much confusion over the benefits of intermittent fasting in recent years as the diet trend has increased in popularity.

Website Diabetes.co.uk states that the 5:2 diet could help with weight loss and reduce insulin resistance.

But it added that while shorter term studies have displayed promise for intermittent fasting diets, their long-term safety is yet to be determined.

Results of the São Paulo study suggested that harm may be caused in the long-term and that more investigation is needed to assess how people may be affected – especially those with metabolic issues.