Intermittent Fasting: Benefits, Side Effects, Quality of Life, and Knowledge of the Saudi Population

Abstract

Introduction Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. IF has shown many benefits for people who are obese and are trying to lose weight and attain a healthy lifestyle. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of IF and how it can be used as a daily lifestyle as well as to measure the knowledge of the IF diet among the Saudi population about its benefits, side effects, and life quality. Method For this retrospective cross-sectional study, data about the common side effects, benefits, and the measurement of the quality of life were collected by a survey distributed using Google Forms. Microsoft Excel was used for the data analysis, with the data and results being mainly expressed as numbers and percentages. Results Among the 147 individuals practicing the IF plan who were surveyed, male participants were more than females (53.7% vs 46.3%). The highest percentage of respondents were in the age group 18-35 years old, and 88 individuals (59.9%) had a high body mass index (BMI). Duration of fasting varied from less than a month to three months in 70.8%, and 71.4% of participants had undertaken IF several times. Side effects were headache (61.3%), lethargy (68%), mood swings (57.8%), and lastly dizziness and polyuria (55.8% and 46.2%, respectively). Slightly more females expressed happiness than males (86.8% vs 83.6%). Conclusion The IF diet is an efficient dietary plan for those aiming at a weight loss journey over a short duration, ranging from less than a month up to three months. Minimal side effects were found during fasting, being of different intensities, which did not need surgical or medical treatment. All in all, most of our respondents were pleased with their experience and saw excellent weight loss results using the IF diet.

Keywords: diet; intermittent fasting; obesity; quality of life; weight loss.

Figure 1. Change in weight as a response to intermittent fasting

Figure 2. Perceived happiness regarding intermittent fasting