Autophagy is a key biological process that has been discussed in the context of the potential benefits of intermittent fasting. It refers to the self-degradative mechanism within cells where damaged or unnecessary components are broken down and recycled.

The podcast episodes Intermittent Fasting: Hungry for Facts? and The Fasting Doctor both mention autophagy as a potential mechanism behind the claimed benefits of intermittent fasting, such as weight loss, increased longevity, and fighting cancer.