The Truth About Intermittent Fasting: Does It Work?
Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years as a trendy weight loss strategy — but is it backed by science? At Columbia Urgent Care, Dr. Jonathan Morris takes a balanced, evidence-based view of health trends like intermittent fasting to help patients in Columbia, Missouri decide what truly works for their bodies and goals.
If you’re considering fasting as part of your wellness plan, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting (IF) isn’t a diet — it’s an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. Popular methods include:
16:8: Fast for 16 hours, eat during an 8-hour window each day
5:2: Eat normally for 5 days a week, reduce calories on the other 2
Alternate-day fasting: Fast every other day or restrict intake to <500 calories
The goal is to reduce overall caloric intake, improve insulin sensitivity, and stimulate metabolic processes such as autophagy — a cellular cleanup system linked to longevity.
What the Science Says
Research supports several benefits of intermittent fasting, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and reduced inflammation. A 2020 review in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that “intermittent fasting has beneficial effects on glucose regulation, blood pressure, lipid levels, and inflammation markers.”¹
Patients with metabolic syndrome or prediabetes often see improvements when IF is used under supervision. However, it’s not a magic solution — and it’s not right for everyone.
Dr. Morris explains, “We’ve seen great results in patients who approach intermittent fasting with structure and medical guidance. But for others — especially those with hormonal imbalances or eating disorders — fasting can do more harm than good.”
Who Should Be Cautious?
While IF can be effective, certain people should be cautious or avoid it entirely:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
People with diabetes on insulin
Those with a history of eating disorders
Patients with adrenal fatigue or thyroid imbalance
Children and teens
At Columbia Urgent Care, our approach is always individualized. We assess your lab work, hormone profile, lifestyle, and medical history before recommending fasting or any dietary strategy.
How to Do It Safely
If you’re considering intermittent fasting, keep these tips in mind:
Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the fasting window
Break your fast with balanced meals: Include protein, healthy fats, and fiber
Avoid binge eating: Don’t overcompensate when the fast ends
Listen to your body: Fatigue, irritability, or dizziness may mean fasting isn’t right for you
We also recommend pairing IF with nutrient support, which may include IV therapy, vitamins, or metabolic labs to ensure your body is functioning optimally.
The Columbia Urgent Care Approach
Located in Columbia, MO, Columbia Urgent Care offers more than acute care — we provide functional medicine and lifestyle consultations to help patients explore safe, sustainable health strategies. Whether you're curious about fasting or need help with hormone balance and nutrition, Dr. Morris can guide you with medical insight, not internet hype.
Keywords
This article explores intermittent fasting Columbia Missouri, weight loss strategies Columbia MO, Dr. Jonathan Morris fasting guidance, metabolic health and fasting, functional medicine approach to dieting, urgent care weight loss Columbia, and safe intermittent fasting Missouri.
