Intermittent Fasting: A Two-Month Experiment. Does It Work? | Talking Point | Full Episode

The speaker begins their intermittent fasting journey after learning their BMI is higher than desired. They express frustration at not being able to eat despite the abundance of food around them. Having fasted for 16 hours a day for two months, they explain their decision to check their BMI using an online calculator, which placed them in a moderate risk category. This prompted a resolution to lose weight and explore the effectiveness of intermittent fasting as a weight loss trend. The paragraph also introduces different fasting windows and the speaker's plan to consult with Dr. Zokanyan Abdul Hamid, an emergency medicine doctor who has successfully lost weight through intermittent fasting.

The speaker meets with Dr. Zokanyan Abdul Hamid to understand the body's response to fasting. Dr. Hamid uses the analogy of a refrigerator to explain how the body uses energy stores during fasting. He describes the liver as a 'chiller' compartment that stores easily accessible glycogen and the body fat as a 'freezer' with denser, less accessible energy storage. The body first depletes the liver's glycogen stores after about 12 to 24 hours of fasting before tapping into fat storage. The speaker decides to adopt a 16-8 fasting window based on Dr. Hamid's advice and embarks on a two-month experiment, documenting their health markers before starting the fast.

The speaker details the challenges of adjusting to intermittent fasting, including feelings of grumpiness, headaches, and lethargy. Despite these difficulties, they remain optimistic about the potential benefits. They consult with Cory Cruz from an intermittent fasting Facebook group for advice on managing hunger and fatigue. Cruz suggests drinking more water and avoiding high-calorie drinks that can break the fast. The speaker realizes the importance of a balanced diet with adequate protein intake to sustain energy levels throughout the fasting period.

Dr. Mary Chong provides the speaker with strategies to trick their brain into eating smart during intermittent fasting. She emphasizes the importance of hydration to prevent mistaking thirst for hunger and suggests using smaller plates to control portion sizes. Chong also advises eating mindfully to recognize feelings of fullness, which can help prevent overeating. The speaker learns about the potential dangers of extreme calorie restriction and the importance of not depriving themselves of necessary nutrients.

The speaker explores various diets such as keto, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free to determine which might complement their intermittent fasting. Assistant Professor Varina Tan provides insights into the pros and cons of each diet, cautioning against potential side effects and nutrient deficiencies. She advises that combining diets may not necessarily improve health outcomes and emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet with less processed food and mindful eating.

After eight weeks of intermittent fasting, the speaker reflects on their experience and shares the results. They have lost 3 kg, reduced their waist circumference, and lowered their body fat percentage significantly. Despite some overindulgence in unhealthy food, the speaker concludes that intermittent fasting works but requires discipline. They emphasize the importance of not just eating less but also being mindful of what is being consumed for better health.