As one of the most famous fitness enthusiasts on the planet, Arnold Schwarzenegger never shies away from learning about new studies in the field. Recently, in his Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter, Schwarzenegger evaluated findings that suggested intermittent fasting was linked with a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death.
Intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating are types of diet plans that have gained considerable momentum as of late. These programs are made up of periods in which someone eats and fasts for health benefits. As with all dietary methods that restrict caloric intake, intermittent fasting is widely accepted for its ability to assist with weight loss.
Similar to other top-tier nutritionists such as Stan Efferding, Schwarzenegger believes the diet plan you’ll stick with is most effective. Schwarzenegger has been critical of calorie-restricting diets in the past but refuses to dismiss their validity for weight loss efforts. In light of a new bombshell study, linking heart problems with intermittent fasting, Schwarzenegger cleared the air about the popular dieting strategy.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Clarifies Intermittent Fasting Benefits After It Was ‘Linked’ to Heart Problems
After a study suggested that intermittent fasting was linked to a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death, Schwarzenegger explained why the study lacked the research needed to make such a hyperbolic claim.
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“Did you see the study about fasting?
Headlines this week claimed that time-restricted eating (the scientific term for intermittent fasting) was linked to a 91 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death.
First things first: No peer-reviewed study shows a cause-and-effect relationship between intermittent fasting and heart disease.”
Even though the data was insufficient, Schwarzenegger added the caveat that it doesn’t mean the information should be ignored.
“The “study” was actually an abstract from a conference presentation. That doesn’t mean the data is bad; it just means it hasn’t been reviewed and gone through the process that helps validate the findings.”
He specified that a time-restricted feeding group was not compared to a non-time-restricted feeding group, making the findings less impactful.
“More importantly, the research doesn’t lend itself to making such big claims. The scientists looked at data where participants tried to recall how they ate for two days. So, technically, we don’t even know if the people who ate for fewer hours were even practicing intermittent fasting. In other words, a time-restricted feeding group was not compared to a non-time-restricted feeding group and then analyzed over time.”
“Does this mean there’s nothing to take from the research? It’s too early to say, but because it’s just an abstract, the headline was more than just a little premature; it was irresponsible. Research like this might offer clues to ask better questions, design different studies, and see if there’s fire where there’s a little smoke.”
Moreover, Schwarzenegger cited the authors of the abstract who indicated that there was no clear evidence to suggest that time-restricted eating caused cardiovascular death.
“Even the abstract authors wrote, “Although the study identified an association between an 8-hour eating window and cardiovascular death, this does not mean that time-restricted eating caused cardiovascular death.”
Despite the discovery, ‘The Austrian Oak’ stands by intermittent fasting as an effective method for weight loss, but believes the benefits have been overstated.
“Intermittent fasting can be an effective way to eat and support weight loss, but many of the benefits are overstated. At this point, if you follow a time-restricted eating diet and it’s helping you manage your weight and be healthier, there’s no need to fear it will cause cardiovascular issues.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t the only fitness mastermind to offer his opinion on intermittent fasting and its utility. Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a cell biologist and nutritionist, recently broke down intermittent fasting and explained why it’s not a miracle diet despite its positive impact on weight loss outcomes.
In the ever-changing world of fitness, hearing from Arnold Schwarzenegger on nutrition and especially dieting principles is always insightful. Although intermittent fasting may have some drawbacks, the 76-year-old bodybuilding star believes it has merit for weight loss goals.
Find More On Intermittent Fasting:
- 18/6 Intermittent Fasting Diet: Unlock the Power of Time-Restricted Eating
- 16 Celebrities Who Swear By Intermittent Fasting (Their Tips and Experiences)
- 8 Fitness Trainer-Approved Workouts to Complement Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss You Wish You’d Known About Sooner
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