Does intermittent fasting offer protection against COVID-19 complications? A new study suggests that long-term intermittent fasters may have a lower risk of severe complications.

Study Summary

This study, which included 73 periodic water-only intermittent fasters (those who only consume water, usually for 24-72 hours), found that:

• Compared to those who did not practice intermittent fasting, those who do have a lower risk of covid-related hospitalization or death.

It is important to note that participants had a regular intermittent fasting routine of 5+ years.

The Hearty Take

This study suggests that long-term intermittent fasting (5+ years) offers protection from severe covid-19 complications, although the study was limited by sample size. At Hearty, we know that intermittent fasting can have many health benefits; intermittent fasting can help prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which both increase the risk of COVID-19 related complications. We encourage you to feel empowered with the knowledge that long-lasting healthy lifestyle changes, such as intermittent fasting, promote long-term health. To know if intermittent fasting is right for you, reach out to your doctor!