Research conducted with university students shows that adopting extremely restrictive diets can be a trigger for eating disorders
Intermittent fasting, a practice that alternates moments of food with long periods without eating (between 4pm and midnight, in general), it has gained followers who want to lose weight. However, a new study from the Faculty of Medicine of University of Sao Paulo (USP) warns of the risks of this trend: it can encourage an intense desire for food and the development of binge eating.
The data collected corroborates a long-held thesis: “Restrictive diets and fasting are often the starting point of eating disorders”, summarizes nutritionist Jônatas Oliveira, lead author of the study.
The research
The study involved more than 458 USP students, of which 89 declared themselves fasting practitioners, while 369 did not follow this method. Using an online questionnaire, the researchers analyzed the participants’ eating habits in the three months preceding the interview.
The results revealed a direct relationship between the number of hours of fasting and signs of binge eating, intense food cravings and consumption of foods considered “forbidden” by those trying to lose weight (sweets and fatty foods). To summarize: the longer you fast, the greater the symptoms of binge eating.
The data shows that fasting duration is, on average, 115% longer among compulsive eaters and 140% longer among those with severe binge eating. The study also found that with fasting there was an increase in intense food cravings (which is called food longing).
“When we spend so much time focusing on not eating and imposing rigid limits on ourselves, we create a constant state of stress. This can lead to a vicious cycle of restriction and lack of control, intensifying the symptoms of binge eating,” explains Oliveira.
While the study did not make a clinical diagnosis, it used sensitive tools to measure the level of binge eating. Furthermore, Oliveira points out that fasting cannot be said to cause binge eating, but there is a clear correlation between the practices.
It is worth noting that binge eating disorder is characterized by uncontrolled intake of large amounts of food. The individual does not need to be hungry.
Restrictions and lack of control
One of the study’s main conclusions is that intermittent fasting can be counterproductive for those looking to lose weight. By imposing rigid limits, a person can enter a cycle of extremist (i.e. “all or nothing”) thinking.
Excessive control over eating can cause a level of stress capable of deregulating the natural process of eating, which should be as automatic as breathing.
“Fasting requires a lot of mental effort, especially in social contexts. Imagine spending Christmas without eating while everyone around you celebrates. brain becomes more vulnerable and control is even more difficult in times of stress”, warns the nutritionist.
This is why the rebound effect occurs. Frustration over not achieving desired weight loss can also make the condition worse. “People think: since I can’t lose weight, I’ll just eat,” explains Oliveira. This means that the restriction mentality triggers impulsive behaviors, which result in binge eating, characterized by a feeling of loss of control.
But does fasting have any benefits?
In Brazil, where fasting is not part of a broad cultural or religious tradition, fasting is often associated only with weight loss goals. In this context, according to Jônatas, it is not possible to talk about benefits.
“Our hypothesis is that fasting, from a dietary perspective, is a stressful practice. It may provide initial well-being, but it ends up reinforcing dysregulated eating behaviors. Intermittent fasting is a stress protocol,” he argues.
“In the end, many of these people seek control, but lose control. To cure them, we need to understand the real motivations behind fasting,” concludes the nutritionist.
According to him, if the intention is to lose weight, the ideal is to avoid excessive restrictions and be aware of the body’s limits, respecting its needs. “To not focus so much on the amount of food we eat, to the point that we disconnect from reality,” he says.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
