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

Another 2024 clinical study compared intermittent fasting combined with protein pacing to continuous calorie restriction in adults with overweight or obesity.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

At the same time, intermittent fasting has gained enormous popularity.

From Science Daily • Feb. 18, 2026

Although the researchers say they are "moderately confident" on the results for weight loss when comparing intermittent fasting with no advice, they are less confident about the other findings.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026