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

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

For now, the research offers a more detailed view of what may happen during intermittent fasting.

From Science Daily • May 31, 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

There are also many different types of intermittent fasting and more detail is needed on how they could impact men and women separately, in addition to those with different BMIs and from different countries.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026