Intermittent Fasting Among Adults: Patterns, Prevalence, and Health Benefits

BACKGROUND Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity as a weight loss strategy and is associated with managing metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. This study investigates the prevalence, characteristics, and health outcomes of IF among adults in Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh from February to May 2024, involving Saudi adults. Data were gathered through electronic questionnaires, using convenience sampling. The questionnaire included sections on demographics, IF status, chronic diseases, fasting patterns, health impacts, and motivations for IF. RESULTS The study found that 60.3% of participants practiced IF. The most common chronic conditions were obesity (11.5%), diabetes (9.7%), and heart disease (8.0%). Symptoms experienced during fasting included energy deficiency (18%), hunger (17.7%), and dizziness (17.7%). Among 109 participants, 33% practiced IF for less than a week, and 12.7% for more than 2 weeks. Notably, 17.7% followed a 12-h fasting pattern, while 15.0% adhered to a 16-h fasting schedule. Weight loss varied, with 11.5% losing less than 2 kg, 16.5% losing 3 kg, and 9% losing between 5 and 9.9 kg. The primary motivations for IF were weight loss (27.4%) and health improvement (26.5%). Additionally, 35.7% reported feeling better, and 22.7% experienced great health benefits after IF. CONCLUSIONS A significant number of individuals engage in IF, with diverse patterns and motivations. The study results showed meaningful weight loss and health improvements among participants, suggesting IF may offer beneficial health outcomes. These insights underscore the potential of IF as a viable strategy for health management in Saudi Arabia.