I am a 27 year old woman. I naturally do intermittent fasting without really trying but I’ve heard from multiple sources that women should not do it for as long as men. Normally, I wait about 5-7 hours after eating dinner to go to sleep since I’m a night owl. I usually eat about an hour after waking up. If I sleep for 8 hours, that means I would be fasting for around 16 hours, give or take an hour. People keep saying that women shouldn’t fast for that long and that they should only do it for 12 hours but in my opinion, 12 hours isn’t really a fast, I would say that’s just normal. I’m concerned because this is just natural for me and I really don’t want to change anything. I don’t want to eat in the middle of the night. I work in the evenings so that’s why my schedule is kinda weird. Is what I do bad? I also feel like eating this way is the only reason I’m in shape right now because I haven’t been to the gym in months lol. If anyone has any thoughts about this, please inform me, I’m disappointed about my newfound knowledge about IF for women.
People make up a lot of weird stuff about women and fasting that is based on nothing, as far as I can tell.
Just one data point: I’m a cis woman, I’ve been doing OMAD for months, and if anything it seems to have helped with some hormone problems I have (PCOS).
Don’t always listen to “people” they can be biased, my opinion from what it seems like you’re doing just fine if you want go more but just listen to your body if you feel light head or other alarming symptoms take a step back and reevaluate everything, it’s seems good stick to it don’t change it if it’s not broken 👍🏻
not a doctor btw lol
Not a doctor, but from what I understand, women of child bearing age should be a bit careful about extended fasts because that could lead to enough calorie reduction that the body starts to preserve energy. This could lead to changes in menstrual cycle or loss of period for example.
I am a woman who is trying to conceive. I am doing 14:10. If/when I get pregnant, I will probably switch to 12/12. TRE has really helped me cut out late night eating and drinking capuccino first thing in the morning. So for me sticking to 12:12 will still be beneficial.
I don’t know science/ins and outs/etc, and I am a dude, however I think you should do what you like to do, and let your body tell you if it’s working or not.
If you feel good fasting for longer hours, than do it. If it affects you negatively, then don’t.
Again, I’m just a guy who jumped into IF with no research/knowledge, and I’m totally not a doctor, but that’s how I roll with it. I would assume that can apply to women as well, but I don’t know
From what I’ve read, a 16-hour daily fast is really just time-restricted eating (not extended fasting). As long as you feel like you’re getting enough calories and nutrients, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Dr. Mindy Peltz on youtube recommends not fasting on the 20th day of your cycle until you have your menstruation. This would result in lower progesterone levels which would result in hair loss and infertility