Thrive In 2025: 9 Popular Diets To Try In The New Year For A Healthier You - Page 5
Source: Sasithorn Phuapankasemsuk / Getty
5. Intermittent Fasting (IF)
Rather than focusing on what you eat, intermittent fasting revolves around when you eat. Popular methods include the 16:8 method (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating) or alternate-day fasting. IF has been shown to aid in weight loss, improve metabolism, and support better blood sugar control.
As previously reported, intermittent fasting has been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce cholesterol levels. A 2009 study of 16 obese men and women found that intermittent fasting led to a 6% reduction in blood pressure over just eight weeks. The same study also revealed significant decreases in LDL cholesterol (down 25%) and triglycerides (down 32%), all of which contributed to weight loss. For women, intermittent fasting may also offer benefits for menstrual health. A small 2021 study of 18 women aged 18-31 with PCOS found improvements in menstrual cycle regularity, reduced body fat, and other health benefits after six weeks. However, registered dietitian Julia Zumpano advises that women should approach intermittent fasting with caution, as extended fasting periods could potentially disrupt hormonal balance.
A new study published on Dec. 13 also indicated that this eating pattern may have an unintended consequence — slowing down hair growth.
The study, published in Cell Press, examined the effects of intermittent fasting on hair regeneration. Researchers found that while fasting improved metabolic health in mice, it also led to slower hair regrowth compared to mice that had constant access to food. The same results were observed in a small clinical trial involving human participants.
