Friday, January 31, 2020
Is Intermittent Fasting Healthy?
“Fasting for several hours or even up to a few days has recently regained popularity, and it may be safe for some people but is not advisable for everyone. It may even be dangerous for others,” says J. Keith Festa, MD, Associate Director of Medical Affairs at MidHudson Regional Hospital.
Scientific evidence does not support long-term benefits of recent diet crazes, such as the keto or paleo eating plans, which favor high fat and protein intake.
The general scientific consensus for long-term weight control is that excess intake of calories from any source, associated with a sedentary lifestyle, results in weight gain and obesity.
Dr. Festa’s advice: Stick to the tried-and-true, by eating well throughout your lifetime. “It all boils down to calories going in, through healthful eating, and calories going out, through exercise.”
Nutrition Counseling Services at WMCHealth
Westchester Medical Center . . . . . . . 914.493.7667
MidHudson Regional Hospital . . . . . 845.431.8898
Margaretville Hospital . . . 845.586.1800 ext. 3305
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