Fasting has become a popular weight-loss tool, but many wonder if it is safe and effective for women. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the unique aspects of fasting for women and share the experience of one woman who lost nearly 40 pounds through fasting.
The effects of sex hormones on body fat distribution are evident throughout a person’s life, but it becomes more apparent during Puberty and the menopausal transition. During these periods, hormone changes can cause weight gain. Women must be cautious when fasting during childbearing years as falling below a certain percentage of body fat can lead to complications with ovulation and irregular menstrual cycles.
During the menopausal transition, women often experience weight gain due to the body’s reduced lean muscle mass and increased fat weight. Additionally, sleep deprivation can contribute to a rise in weight. However, several scientific studies have shown fasting to be more effective than chronic calorie restriction for weight loss.
Megan Ramos, a fasting expert who has coached thousands of individuals through fasting, has found that women benefit from a varied approach to one meal daily (OMAD). This approach focuses on eating lunch and dinner throughout the week, alternating between 30 and 16 hours of fasting with just one meal daily. Women also find it easier to fast for three days rather than alternate daily fasts throughout the week.
It is also essential to plan fasting around the menstrual cycle, as estrogen is an appetite-suppressing hormone, making it easier to fast during weeks one and two. During weeks three and four, when estrogen levels drop, it may be challenging to fast, and time-restricted eating and shorter intermittent fasts are better options.
Deborah, a 52-year-old optometrist, began her weight loss journey with breakfast fasting. She then moved to a low-carbohydrate diet and the 16/8 diet. Through consistent fasting, Deborah lost nearly 40 pounds and reported increased energy, better sleep, stabilized mood, and reduced medication for high blood pressure.
In conclusion, while fasting can be effective in weight loss, women must be cautious, especially during the childbearing years and the menopausal transition. A varied approach to OMAD, focusing on a three-day fast, and planning fasting around the menstrual cycle are tips that can help women lose weight. The bottom line is that fasting can work for both men and women, and it is essential to listen to your body and be responsible under a doctor’s guidance.
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Summary of Transcript:
The video discusses how fasting affects women’s bodies and offers tips for women who want to try fasting. During Puberty, girls start to store more body fat due to the effects of estrogen and progesterone. During childbearing, women should avoid fasting as falling below a certain percentage of body fat can affect ovulation and lead to irregular menstrual cycles. Women also tend to gain weight during the menopausal transition due to hormone changes and sleep disturbance. However, several studies have shown that fasting is effective for weight loss in both men and women. The video offers tips on variations of nomad fasting and planning fasting around the menstrual cycle to make it easier for women. Deborah, a 52-year-old optometrist, was able to lose almost 40 pounds using fasting in combination with a low-carbohydrate diet.
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Summary of Description:
Dr. Jason Fung discusses whether women can use intermittent fasting for health and weight loss, with special guest Megan Ramos from The Fasting Method sharing three tips that may be more effective for women. They discuss Puberty and weight distribution, Menopause and weight gain, and sleep disturbance in women. Ramos recommends the 30/16 fasting regimen (OMAD), longer fasts, and planning to fast around monthly cycles. They also share Debra’s fasting story. The video includes timestamps, links to Dr. Fung’s books and fasting aids, as well as his YouTube lectures on medical topics.
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Source Description
Can women use intermittent fasting for health and weight loss? Dr. Jason Fung discusses the difference between men and women; special guest, Megan Ramos from The Fasting Method, shares three tips that may work better for women, including the 30/16 fasting regimen. Check out my blog at https://medium.com/@drjasonfung
More Information:
BOOKS:
The Obesity Code – Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss and how low-carb diets and fasting can help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_d
The Diabetes Code – Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversible disease and dietary strategies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795BLS8D?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_d
The Cancer Code – Scientific exploration of how cancer develops – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062894005?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_d
Amazon:
USA – https://www.amazon.com/shop/jasonfung
Canada – https://www.amazon.ca/shop/jasonfung
**Fasting Aids**
Pique Fasting Tea (recommended)
https://www.piquetea.com/drjasonfung
Fasting Community and Coaching:
https://www.thefastingmethod.com/
YouTube Medical Lectures (for specialist physicians):
1. The Roots of the Obesity Epidemic – https://youtu.be/q8BGYhreaco
2. Therapeutic Fasting – The Two Compartment Problem: https://youtu.be/ETkwZIi3R7w
3. Does Calorie Counting work? https://youtu.be/5F5o0a4p_3U
4. Two Big Lies of Type 2 Diabetes – https://youtu.be/FcLoaVNQ3rc
5. Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Naturally – https://youtu.be/mAwgdX5VxGc
6. Insulin Toxicity – https://youtu.be/4oZ4UqtbB_g
7. Saturated Fat – Friend or Foe? https://youtu.be/QetsIU-3k7Y
8. Diet and Disease – https://youtu.be/2yoOx_7MLn0
9. Dangers of Fructose – https://youtu.be/pG89j432w-Y
10. Insulin Resistance – https://youtu.be/dimP7IdM2Og
11. Role of Hormones in Weight Loss – https://youtu.be/ZbnshVO4PRM
12. The Obesity Code Lecture 1 – https://youtu.be/YpllomiDMX0
Timestamps:
0:00 Intermittent fasting for women
0:45 Puberty and weight distribution
1:57 Menopause and weight gain
3:32 Sleep disturbance and women
4:10 Intermittent fasting studies in Women
5:20 Fasting tips for women – from Megan Ramos
5:32 OMAD – the 30/16 fast
6:46 Try longer fasts
7:15 Plan fasting around monthly cycles
8:34 Debra’s story of fasting
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