Intermittent Fasting Diet: Why It Can Lead To Weight Gain

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Intermittent fasting diet is the trendiest fad diet nowadays because it's easy and affordable to follow. There are different application methods, but the most popular type is the one initiated by Martin Berkhan on his website, Lean Gains.

Its theory states that an individual may achieve weight loss by fasting intermittently throughout the day, fasting for 16 hours then eating large meals for an eight-hour feeding period. However, the diet goes against most common dietary advice. Some dieticians even believe that the intermittent fasting diet can lead to weight gain.

The Active Times writes that Rene Ficek, a registered dietician and lead nutrition expert at Seattle Sutton, recalls a research done 20 years ago, which confirmed that consumption of one large meal a day helps individuals gain weight.

She also explains that when the body is in a fasting state, muscle tissues are broken down to meet the daily protein requirement; thus, a rapid muscle loss occurs.

Although Ficek is not an expert on intermittent fasting diet, she has been following the trend ever since Dr. David Perlmutter, a physician and neurologist she respects, started recommending the diet because of its benefits to the brain.

Examiner reports that intermittent fasting diet can improve longevity, reduce the risk of chronic illness and improve brain functioning, as studied by the National Institute on Aging.

Dr. Mark Mattson, chief of the institute's Neurosciences Lab, says fasting does what exercise can do to the body - it makes the brain stronger. When the body fasts for short periods, like 16 to 24 hours, it becomes stressed and releases neurotrophic proteins to stimulate brain neurons.

However, Ficek argues that these effects can be easily achieved by eating a low-calorie, balanced diet. If an individual follows a low-calorie diet with regular consumption of lean proteins and managed amount of carbs and fats, the body's insulin level and cravings for sweets and starches will be reduced, leaving the muscle tissues untouched.

Ficek also relates that the possibility of overeating or binge eating is increased with fasting, leaving the individual overweight and demoralized.

Sports nutritionist Amber Simmons, Ph.D., writes on the EAS Academy's website that intermittent fasting diet is best applied to athletes as it can help them achieve a strong physique. However, she concludes that the most effective weight management plan are the ones that can be maintained and should always be done with an expert's advice as not all diet plans work the same for everyone.