Teenagers Beware: Study Finds Intermittent Fasting could harm cell development

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A new study has raised concerns about the safety of intermittent fasting for teenagers, advising them to consult a doctor before adopting this weight-loss method. The study, published in *Cell Reports*, found that while short-term fasting is generally safe for individuals of all ages, long-term fasting may lead to issues with insulin production in young people, particularly those showing early signs of Type 1 diabetes. The research, conducted by German scientists, observed the effects of intermittent fasting on mice of various ages. It revealed that fasting had positive results in older mice but it had detrimental effects on pancreatic cell development in younger mice, highlighting potential risks for adolescents and young adults.

The study examined three age groups of mice—young, middle-aged, and elderly—subjected to an intermittent fasting schedule of 24 hours of fasting followed by 48 hours of normal eating. While the older mice showed improved sugar management, the younger mice exhibited troubling changes in their insulin-producing cells.

Experts now caution that while intermittent fasting may be beneficial for some, it may not be safe for children and teenagers, who are still developing. The findings raise alarms about the long-term impact of fasting on the health of younger individuals, particularly in terms of insulin production and pancreatic function. In light of these results, health professionals urge parents and teenagers to seek medical advice before embarking on any fasting regimen to ensure safety and avoid potential harm to their health.