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Jun 15

Is intermittent fasting the best way to lose quarantine weight? – Patch.com

With stay-at-home orders being lifted and the beaches opening, the holidays over and bathing suit season right around the corner, many of us are thinking about those extra pounds we'd like to lose in time for summer. And, as always, there are a host of diet and weight loss options to choose from, including the latest new hot diet trend intermittent fasting.

If you haven't already heard about it, intermittent fasting means cycling between periods of fasting and eating. There are several options for intermittent fasting, including fasting for 16 hours each day; fasting two days per week; fasting every other day; or fasting during the day and eating a huge meal at night. Any and all of these are being touted by many in the media and diet industry as the latest and most effective way to lose weight.

But is intermittent fasting really a good option for weight loss? Not so, according to Steven Santangelo, D.O., a primary care doctor with Virtua Health System.

"As far as a diet that includes intermittent fasting, I generally don't recommend that for my patients for weight loss as this can actually slow down their metabolism and make it more difficult to lose weight," he said. "I emphasize a healthy diet that is well balanced and includes regular exercise."

Dr. Santangelo also advises his patients plan their weight loss with realistic goals over a long period of time, and he encourages them see a Virtua nutritionist or dietitian.

"Even if you have a healthy lifestyle, you will always learn something if you meet with one of our dietitians."

And when it comes to exercise, Dr. Santangelo suggests at least 150 minutes per week.

"You need to do more than just take the dog for a quick walk," he said. "Plan to get out 4-5 times a week and get your heart rate up for 30 minutes."

The bottom line? Intermittent fasting is not a magic bullet for sustained weight loss. A healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine are still the tried-and-true way to lose those extra pounds and keep them off for good.

To make an appointment with a Virtua Primary Care physician call 1-888-847-8823 or go to the Virtua website.

To schedule a consultation with a Virtua nutritionist, call 1-888-847-8823.

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About Virtua Health:Virtua Health is committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua's 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including a renowned cardiology program, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, and more than 280 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program. Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics. As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, from addiction and other behavioral issues to lack of nutritious food and stable housing. A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many awards for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment. For more information, visit ThisIsVirtua.org. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.

Excerpt from:
Is intermittent fasting the best way to lose quarantine weight? - Patch.com

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