Intermittent Fasting works for men, but may not women

Going for long periods without eating, often called intermittent fasting (IF), can work for men, but doesn’t for most women. For some women it can be harmful due to it’s negative effect on women’s hormones and metabolism. This makes it an ineffective way to lose weight or increase strength for most women.

Two credible female scientists tell us why. 


Precision Nutrition molecular biologist Helen Kollias, Ph.D., says while IF can work well for many men, most women won’t benefit because women might be more sensitive to calorie restriction.

Turns out, women’s bodies more readily interpret missed meals and fewer calories as stress. 

This low energy intake and stress impacts the hormones key functions—like ovulation, metabolism, and even mood. Periods and ovulation can go awry, fertility can decrease, symptoms of menopause may worsen or develop too early, libido can cool off, and metabolism might even decrease. 

So now you’re looking at disrupted menstrual cycles, higher anxiety and stress, impaired performance and often weight gain—pretty much the opposite of what you’re looking for! 
If you try IF you may lose weight during the first three months because calorie restriction diets get results short term. 
However, according to Stacy Sims, MSC, Ph.D, international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist, the long-term effects for women athletes (THAT’S YOU!) is endocrine dysfunction, increases in abdominal fat, more depression, and a backlash of subsequent fat gain.
Instead of restricting food, consider focusing on eating less processed, more nutrient dense foods slowly until you’re almost full. If you need help figuring out how to do that effectively with your lifestyle contact me and we chat about it.
If you’re interested in the deep science behind IF from these female scientists you can read their articles via the links below.

Dr. Kolina’s article: 
Does intermittent fasting work for women? Learn how fasting can affect hormones, weight loss, and fertility.

Dr. Sim’s article:
You are an athlete and you shouldn’t practice intermittent fasting.

​