August Summary

Question One

The first question brought up a lot of good points. Amanda mentioned that it depends on the specific client whether intermittent fasting is a good option or not for a person wanting to lose weight, since the self-reported hunger on the fasting days was considerable and this may lead to the diet not being maintained for long. Arthur found a research study where the participants consume 25% of their estimated caloric needs on the ‘fasting day’, where Carly and myself agreed would be a good alternative to days of complete fasting. Desiray, Sophie, Vivian, John, and Gina both said they would not initially suggest intermittent fasting to a client for weight loss, however they would be willing to try if the client was interested.



Question Two

In the second question, Amanda brings up a good observation that the study included participants who were of normal weight, so it might not have shown as significant of results compared to studies with participants who are overweight or obese. Amanda, Jenn, Carly, Vivian, and Arthur all agree that the results regarding amount of weight lost would be similar between the two groups of participants. Gina, John, Abby, and Sophie all agreed tat calorie restriction on the feed days would cause more weight loss versus having ad libitum days, since those eating ad libitum may possibly binge eat more causing them to not lose as much weight.



Question Three

The third question had an overall consensus that further research could positively make a positive impact on the United State’s obesity issues. Jenn reiterated that intermittent fasting is not ideal for everyone and that the biggest need for more research is considering whether the diet and weight loss can be maintained long term. Carly states that she feels that intermittent fasting is not a good weight loss mechanism because of the lack of research, feasibility of maintaining the diet and the way the diet negatively portrays food. Carly also brought up a strong point that intermittent fasting is not realistic for every population, such as athletes, in which I contributed that diabetes, children, and elderly would also not be able to realistically and safely maintain this diet either. Desiray discussed how she thinks if intermittent fasting was deemed safe and effective for weight loss, the US population would try it since they currently try potentially unsafe fad diets, which lack any research. Gina added to the conversation the idea of weight loss is not as big of an issue as keeping the weight off and how this diet does not teach people a long-term solution and how to keep the weight off after they end the diet. John contributed a valid suggestion that obtaining a more clear understanding from more research would help us as health care providers to make more educated decisions.

Recommendations for Practice

Several varying opinions were discussed in this month’s conversation as to whether intermittent fasting is a good mechanism to use for clients who desire to lose weight. Several contributors questioned the reality of maintaining the diet to obtain long-term weight loss. Interviewing the client before suggesting intermittent fasting was suggested multiple times to determine the client’s motivation, intentions, and personality to determine if it is a feasible weight loss plan for that specific client or not. More research would be significantly beneficial to portray longer-term results and results from a less controlled environment would also be beneficial to determine more realistic situations.