Content provided by the Health & Wellness Team at GBS Benefits
Intermittent fasting has gained attention as a wellness trend that focuses on when people eat rather than what they eat. Instead of following specific food rules, intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of eating and not eating within a set timeframe.
Mark Mattson, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins, has studied intermittent fasting for 25 years. He says our bodies have evolved to be able to go without food for many hours, or even several days or longer. In prehistoric times, before humans learned to farm, they were hunters and gatherers who evolved to survive and thrive for long periods without eating.
What Does Intermittent Fasting Look Like?
There isn’t one single approach to intermittent fasting, so you can tailor this approach to your personal needs. Common variations include:
- Eating within a set daily window (such as 8–10 hours)
- Fasting for a full day once or twice a week
- Extending the time between dinner and the next day’s first meal
What these approaches share is structure around timing, which can turn eating into a predictable routine.
Why It’s Trending
Intermittent fasting is often appealing because:
- It simplifies decision-making around meals
- It provides a clear structure or routine
- Some people report improved focus or digestion
For individuals who enjoy consistency and defined boundaries, the routine itself can feel supportive.
What to Consider
Like many wellness trends, intermittent fasting affects people differently. While some individuals feel energized and focused, others may experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased stress around meals.
Factors such as work schedules, activity levels, health conditions, and personal history with food can all influence how this routine feels and the likelihood of sustainability. It’s important to check with your doctor before starting intermittent fasting and avoid if you are under the age of 18, pregnant or breastfeeding, a type 1 diabetic, or have a history of eating disorders.
Men and Women May Respond Differently
Research and clinical observations suggest that intermittent fasting can affect men and women differently, largely due to differences in hormones, metabolism, and stress response.
In general, men often tolerate longer fasting periods more easily. Some experience stable energy levels and improved focus during fasting windows. Women may be more sensitive to extended fasting. Hormonal systems related to reproduction and stress can respond more strongly to energy restriction, which may affect mood, sleep, or energy levels.
Before diving into this trend, connect with your doctor and do your research to determine if this feels like the right fit.
