DeepSummary
The podcast episode explores the science behind intermittent fasting diets, which have become increasingly popular. It examines whether fasting can lead to weight loss, increased longevity, and the potential to fight cancer. Through interviews with researchers, the episode investigates the mechanisms behind how fasting may impact fat burning and autophagy, which is the process of cellular self-cleaning.
The episode discusses various studies on intermittent fasting and weight loss, suggesting that while people tend to lose weight on these diets, it is likely due to calorie restriction rather than a unique metabolic process. Regarding longevity, the evidence from human studies is mixed, while animal studies show promising results.
When it comes to cancer, the episode highlights research suggesting that fasting combined with chemotherapy may help weaken tumors and improve treatment outcomes. However, the potential benefits and risks of fasting for cancer patients are still being studied, and more research is needed.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Intermittent fasting can lead to weight loss, but this is likely due to calorie restriction rather than a unique metabolic process.
- The evidence for fasting increasing longevity in humans is mixed, with more promising results in animal studies.
- Combining fasting with chemotherapy shows potential in weakening tumors and improving cancer treatment outcomes, but more research is needed.
- Fasting can increase fat burning, but the long-term effects on health and longevity are still being investigated.
- While fasting has potential benefits, it can also have side effects, such as gallstone formation and the need for caution in certain populations.
- The claims made about the benefits of intermittent fasting, particularly regarding longevity, may be overhyped and not fully supported by current scientific evidence.
- More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and potential risks and benefits of intermittent fasting for various health outcomes.
- Individuals should consult with healthcare professionals before starting any fasting diet, especially for those with underlying health conditions or during cancer treatment.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “We now think that this intermittent fasting does not help you burn more calories.“ by Caitlin Sori
- “First and foremost, there's never been anything showing, like in humans, that either calorie restriction or fasting helps people live longer. Those are all studies done in worms and yeast and mice, and that we're just kind of extrapolating from.“ by Krista Varady
- “We cured lots of mice when we combined the two. So it's really interesting how the combination can be so much more powerful than each intervention alone.“ by Valter Longo
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Episode Information
Science Vs
Spotify Studios
3/28/24
Fasting diets are going bonkers right now — some tech bros are down to one meal a day! And health-fluencers claim that intermittent fasting can help you lose weight, live longer and even fight cancer. But meanwhile, recent headlines are screaming that these diets might actually be dangerous — and linked to death from heart disease. Can science sort this all out?? We speak to nutrition researchers Dr. Krista Varady and Dr. Courtney Peterson, as well as cancer researcher Professor Valter Longo.
Mental health and disordered eating resources are here: spotify.com/resources
Find our transcript here: https://bit.ly/ScienceVsFasting
In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Fasting: the fad and the fears
(03:07) Does fasting help you burn fat?
(07:40) How much weight do people lose with intermittent fasting?
(08:47) Is this just calorie restriction?
(13:17) Can fasting help you live longer?
(19:50) Can fasting fight cancer?
This episode was produced by Kaitlyn Sawrey, Nick DelRose and Wendy Zukerman with help from Michelle Dang, Rose Rimler, Joel Werner and Meryl Horn. We’re edited by Blythe Terrell, with extra editing help from Caitlin Kenney and Annie-Rose Strasser. Fact checking by Eva Dasher and Michelle Dang. Mix and sound design by Peter Leonard and Bobby Lord. Music by Peter Leonard, Emma Munger, Bumi Hidaka and Bobby Lord. A huge thanks to all the researchers we got in touch with for this episode, including Dr Peter Chisnell, Dr Mikkel Holm Vendelbo, Dr Jiahong Lu, Dr Dorothy Sears, Prof. Mark Mattson, Dr James D Dvorak, Dr Calloway Scott, Professor Richard Billows, Professor Nancy Worman, Dr Barbara Kowalzig and the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Also thanks to Kimmie Regler, Helen Zaltman, Frank Lopez, the Zukerman Family, and Joseph Lavelle Wilson.
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