Intermittent fasting (general)
Metabolic Health · Fasting
Tier B-
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Intermittent fasting (general) as B- (6.3/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
De Cabo NEJM 2019 review — metabolic benefits may be largely attributable to caloric restriction and circadian alignment rather than fasting per se.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 16:8, 18:6, 20:4, OMAD, or 5:2; adherence varies by pattern — N/A; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
De Cabo NEJM 2019 review — metabolic benefits may be largely attributable to caloric restriction and circadian alignment rather than fasting per se. Benefits vs caloric restriction alone modest in head-to-head trials.
Mechanism
Metabolic switching from glucose to ketones/FFA; autophagy induction; reduced mTOR and insulin signaling; circadian alignment; decreased inflammation
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
16:8, 18:6, 20:4, OMAD, or 5:2; adherence varies by pattern
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Intermittent fasting (general)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Intermittent fasting (general) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B- (6.3/10). De Cabo NEJM 2019 review — metabolic benefits may be largely attributable to caloric restriction and circadian alignment rather than fasting per se.
- What safety findings are reported for Intermittent fasting (general)?
- Intermittent fasting (general) has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (concerns in eating disorders, pregnancy, T1DM) Legal status: N/A.
- What doses or routes are reported for Intermittent fasting (general)?
- 16:8, 18:6, 20:4, OMAD, or 5:2; adherence varies by pattern This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Intermittent fasting (general) work?
- Metabolic switching from glucose to ketones/FFA; autophagy induction; reduced mTOR and insulin signaling; circadian alignment; decreased inflammation
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.