Intermittent Fasting and Chrononutrition for Health: Who, Why and How?

Student Member Price: $10.00

Intermittent fasting (IF) has emerged over the past decade as a promising option for addressing chronic disease prevention. While much of the initial hype around IF is attributed to promotion by popular media and individual testimonials, mounting evidence from clinical trials now support its safety and efficacy. IF isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather an alternative option to facilitate lifestyle change. As such, dietitians and other health care professionals must be able to critically evaluate these findings and apply IF concepts contextually and with appropriate nutrition assessment, prescription, and follow-up.

This session will: (1) define IF; (2) summarize literature on IF for chronic disease prevention and treatment; (3) highlight the importance of circadian mechanisms to mediate meal timing effects; (4) discuss factors to consider when using IF to individualize nutrition therapy; and (5) provide practical takeaways for recommending IF. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the science behind intermittent fasting and meal timing and be better equipped to prescribe these approaches to their patients and clients.

CPE Level: Level 3 (advanced knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 10.2.9 In collaboration with the client and interdisciplinary team (including NDTRs), selects and implements current and evidence-based nutrition interventions and patient education.
• 8.3.6 Keeps abreast of current nutrition and dietetics knowledge and trends.
• 9.6.5 In collaboration with the customer, develops counseling or coaching goals.

Learning Objectives

• Define and describe various types of intermittent fasting and their associated metabolic benefits.
• Describe how circadian mechanisms mediate the effects of meal timing and intermittent fasting regimens.
• Assess the appropriateness of intermittent fasting regimens for an individual and prescribe IF in various practice settings.

Speakers

• Felicia Steger
• Kristen Hoddy