intermittent fasting

American  

[in-ter-mit-nt fas-ting] / ˈɪn tər mɪt nt ˈfæs tɪŋ /

noun

1. a pattern of eating that involves regular short periods of fasting, such as by limiting food intake to a certain period of the day or to fewer meals on certain days of the week.

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Etymology

Origin of intermittent fasting

First recorded in 1875–80, in the context of fasting for religious purposes; 2005–10, in a wellness context

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

intermittent fasting

After six months, participants in both the intermittent fasting and calorie restricted groups had lost an average of about seven kilograms.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 8, 2026

A 2024 systematic review of human studies found that intermittent fasting appears to affect gut microbial richness, diversity, and composition.

From Science Daily ● May 31, 2026

Paltrow has often been ahead of the curve on now-popular practices like intermittent fasting and oil pulling—even, in her telling, yoga.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

I started doing intermittent fasting back when I wasn’t able to lose my baby weight.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 6, 2026

If you loved creating a whole personality around intermittent fasting, welcome: You’ve found your people.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 1, 2026