Sunday, August 10, 2025
Science
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
No Result
View All Result
Scienmag
No Result
View All Result
Home Science News Medicine

Scientists reach consensus for fasting terminology

August 6, 2024
in Medicine
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Dr. Eric Ravussin
67
SHARES
610
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Dr. Eric Ravussin of Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge was one of 38 scientists from five continents to present the first international consensus on fasting terminology and key definitions. Published in Cell Metabolism, the recent study reflects the increasing popularity of diets tied to fasting and a significant increase in scientific studies of fasting. While the application of fasting is rapidly growing, there was previously no globally established terminology. 

Dr. Eric Ravussin

Credit: PBRC

Dr. Eric Ravussin of Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge was one of 38 scientists from five continents to present the first international consensus on fasting terminology and key definitions. Published in Cell Metabolism, the recent study reflects the increasing popularity of diets tied to fasting and a significant increase in scientific studies of fasting. While the application of fasting is rapidly growing, there was previously no globally established terminology. 

The panel was the first to bring together experimental and clinical experts in medical and religious fasting. Twenty-four terms were defined as panelists collaborated across a live conference and five online surveys. Some of the major terms defined include “fasting,” “modified fasting,” fluid-only fasting,” “alternate-day fasting,” “prolonged fasting,” and “religious fasting,” among others. 

“Despite the fact that fasting is being studied extensively around the world, especially in relationship to healthy aging, there was no common definitions of the different approaches to fasting and caloric restriction.” said Dr. Ravussin, who is a professor of diabetes and metabolism at Pennington Biomedical. “By defining these terms and setting a standard, we can help steer people away from those unverified diets that mislead participants into unhealthy or even dangerous behaviors. The application of fasting has proven to be beneficial and popular, and as its use grows, we wanted to ensure researchers, dieticians, nutritionists, and fitness instructors are aligned with clear, universal terminology.” 

Using the Delphi method – a communication technique to generate a consensus through a series of questionnaires – the multidisciplinary panel of researchers reach consensus on these terms to better facilitate communication and cross-referencing in the field.  

Scientists from around the world who were approached to participate in the panel primarily specialized in dietary approaches to increasing both health and potentially lifespan, as well as impacting the known biomarkers of aging. Dr. Ravussin is a well-known researcher in this field, and his work on the panel began in 2002.  

“Dr. Ravussin’s contributions to this panel are not only important for the consensus that was reached, but for furthering Pennington Biomedical’s reputation as a leading global voice in these industry-wide guidelines that will provide clarity and consistency to researchers around the world,” said Pennington Biomedical Executive Director Dr. John Kirwan. “His contribution on the plan furthers our leadership role contributing to the knowledge base and improving health across the lifespan.” 

Some of the better-known words whose definitions were formally agreed upon through the survey include:  

  • Fasting – voluntary abstinence from some or all foods or foods and beverages. 
  • Modified fasting – restriction of energy intake to a maximum 25 percent of energy needs. 
  • Fluid-only fasting – a modified fasting regimen whereby only beverages are consumed for a certain period of time. 
  • Alternate-day fasting – alternating a day of eating ad libitum and a day of water-only fasting. 
  • Short-term fasting – fasting that lasts two to three days. 
  • Prolonged fasting – fasting for greater than or equal to four consecutive days. 
  • Religious fasting – any fasting regime that is undertaken as part of a religious practice. 

Intermittent fasting – repetitive fasting periods lasting equal to or less than 48 hours. 

About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center 

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. The Center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus of the LSU System. 

The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 530 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a state-of-the-art research facility on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge.  

For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.



Journal

Cell Metabolism

DOI

10.1016/j.cmet.2024.06.013

Article Title

International consensus on fasting terminology

Article Publication Date

23-Jul-2024

Share27Tweet17
Previous Post

Chemical and nutritional profile of fruit, vegetables and co-products to improve human health

Next Post

Gestational diabetes does not increase risk of breast cancer, large Danish study finds

Related Posts

blank
Medicine

Neuroprosthetics Revolutionize Gut Motility and Metabolism

August 10, 2025
blank
Medicine

Multivalent mRNA Vaccine Protects Mice from Monkeypox

August 9, 2025
blank
Medicine

AI Synthesizes Causal Evidence Across Study Designs

August 9, 2025
blank
Medicine

Non-Coding Lung Cancer Genes Found in 13,722 Chinese

August 9, 2025
blank
Medicine

DeepISLES: Clinically Validated Stroke Segmentation Model

August 9, 2025
blank
Medicine

Mitochondrial Metabolic Shifts Fuel Colorectal Cancer Resistance

August 9, 2025
Next Post
Gestational diabetes does not increase risk of breast cancer, large Danish study finds

Gestational diabetes does not increase risk of breast cancer, large Danish study finds

  • Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    27531 shares
    Share 11009 Tweet 6881
  • University of Seville Breaks 120-Year-Old Mystery, Revises a Key Einstein Concept

    944 shares
    Share 378 Tweet 236
  • Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance

    641 shares
    Share 256 Tweet 160
  • Researchers record first-ever images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike

    507 shares
    Share 203 Tweet 127
  • Warm seawater speeding up melting of ‘Doomsday Glacier,’ scientists warn

    310 shares
    Share 124 Tweet 78
Science

Embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with Scienmag.com—your ultimate source for cutting-edge breakthroughs. Immerse yourself in a world where curiosity knows no limits and tomorrow’s possibilities become today’s reality!

RECENT NEWS

  • Euclid Satellite Unveils Secrets of Cosmology and Physics
  • Metric Warps: Boundary’s New Cosmic Source

  • Exploring Cosmology with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna
  • Bumblebee Gravity: Black Hole Charges & Symmetries Revealed

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Athmospheric
  • Biology
  • Bussines
  • Cancer
  • Chemistry
  • Climate
  • Earth Science
  • Marine
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Pediatry
  • Policy
  • Psychology & Psychiatry
  • Science Education
  • Social Science
  • Space
  • Technology and Engineering

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,860 other subscribers

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Discover more from Science

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading