Overview

• UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak practices a 36-hour fast every week, starting from Sunday 5pm to Tuesday 5am, consuming only water, tea, or black coffee during this period.
• Intermittent fasting, such as Sunak's practice, is gaining popularity worldwide as a health and weight-loss regime, with studies suggesting it can help with weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve mood.
• Intermittent fasting does not specify which foods to consume or avoid, but rather emphasizes when you eat. It is not a fad diet and does not impose restrictions on food selection or quantity.
• A systematic evaluation of 40 trials concluded that intermittent fasting works, with a typical weight loss of 7-11 pounds over 10 weeks. It works by extending the time between when your body has burnt through the calories from your last meal and starts burning fat.
• Intermittent fasting is not suitable for everyone. It is not advised for people with a history of disordered eating, those who are pregnant, or people with Type 1 diabetes. Medical advice should be sought before beginning a fast.