Impact of Intermittent Fasting and Mediterranean Diet on the Physical Health of the Elderly

Impact of Intermittent Fasting and Mediterranean Diet on the Physical Health of the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing globally. In recent years, intermittent fasting has emerged as an effective dietary pattern against some of the most common chronic diseases in the elderly, alongside the Mediterranean diet.

The objective was to determine whether a 12-hour daily intermittent fasting regimen combined with a Mediterranean diet can improve analytical and anthropometric values in the elderly.

A total of 17 individuals of both sexes, over 60 years old, autonomous, and with preserved cognitive capacity participated. They were randomly divided into two groups: 8 people in the intervention group performed intermittent fasting along with a Mediterranean diet, and 9 in the control group adopted only a Mediterranean diet. The intervention lasted 3 months, with measurements taken at the beginning and end of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over 60 years of age.
• Belong to the Bombarda health centre.
• Preserved cognitive capacity.
• Autonomy for basic and instrumental activities of daily living.
• Ability to follow a TRF and/or adopt a Mediterranean dietary pattern.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Underweight (BMI <18.5).
• Serious or chronic uncontrolled disease.
• Specific treatment that could alter blood and/or anthropometric values.
• Poorly controlled type 1 or type 2 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
• Present or past episode of eating disorder (ED).
• High alcohol consumption.