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Updated: Jun 27, 2025

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
Evolutionary Echoes: A Four-Day Fasting and Low-Caloric Intake Study on Autonomic Modulation and Physiological
Pedro Belinchón-deMiguel1, Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez2, Carmen Cecilia Laborde-Cárdenas3
1Department of Nursing, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain.
Abstract:
This study evaluates the psychophysiological response to a simulated hunter-gatherer endurance task with restricted caloric intake over four days. It assesses changes in body composition, autonomic modulation, and physical and cognitive performance. Participants underwent daily 8 h fasted walks followed by a 150 kcal meal to replicate hunter-gatherer activity and dietary patterns. Measurements of metabolic, respiratory, and subjective well-being, along with heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring, were conducted pre- and post-activity to evaluate the impact of endurance activity under caloric restriction. We found weight loss, decreased body and visceral fat, and reduced skeletal muscle mass and water percentage. High sympathetic activation and stable urinary markers, except for increased proteinuria, indicated stress responses and muscular degradation. Elevated perceived exertion post-exercise with good adaptation to prolonged effort underlines the body's adaptability to ancestral lifestyle conditions, highlighting the connection among endurance, nutrition, and psychophysiological health.
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