Residents are being encouraged to sign up for a new study by researchers at the University of Bath looking into the health impacts of intermittent fasting.
The research, being led by Dr Jean-Philippe Walhin from the Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism, will examine the differences between intermittent fasting and calorie-restricted dieting.
Intermittent fasting for the study involves alternating periods of fasting and eating.
Crucially, this transition happens at 3pm meaning you would either eat up to 3pm or start eating at the time.
Through bespoke health assessments, people taking part will learn more about how many calories they burn in a day, how many calories they burn during exercise and their body composition, as well as their nutrient intake and how well their body handles what they eat and regulates their appetite.
To take part, individuals need to be aged 18-65, have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg / m2, have had a stable body weight for the past six months and be willing to undertake fasting.
For the full criteria and to see what’s involved, visit this page.
Lead researcher, Dr Jean-Philippe Walhin explained: “We know many people will be starting the New Year with plans to get fit and healthy.
“This new study, which builds on our work through the Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism at the University of Bath, aims to understand much more about what happens to our bodies when we fast.
“Participants taking part will get tailored feedback about how their body burns calories and what impacts exercise and fasting have.
“What’s more, they get to contribute to science which aims to improve health outcomes for many people around the country and around the world.”
The study is set in the context of the global obesity crisis. Obesity is linked to metabolic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Intermittent fasting has been suggested as an effective way to improve metabolic health, by helping individuals lose weight and body fat.
You can learn more about the study here.
