A doctor has warned that a popular dieting technique, often used in weight loss attempts, could be the cause of feeling ‘awful’. Dr Megan Rossi, also known as the Gut Health Doctor due to her expertise in digestive health, stated that intermittent fasting can have severe repercussions for some individuals. Intermittent fasting involves consuming meals within a restricted timeframe, such as only eating between 9am and 5pm. Some people choose to fast intermittently for just a few days a week, while maintaining a regular diet on other days. This method prompts your body to burn fat for energy, and is said to aid in weight management, cholesterol levels, blood sugar regulation, and even chronic inflammation. It could potentially also stimulate cell regeneration in your body. However, it is not without potential side-effects, and is not suitable for everyone. Those under 18 are advised against it, and anyone considering it should consult with a healthcare professional first. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with type-1 diabetes, and those with a history of eating disorders are also strongly discouraged from trying it, reports Surrey Live . Dr Rossi emphasised that the success of intermittent fasting largely depends on the individual’s circumstances. She noted that many of the broad benefits touted by various online sources often fail to come to fruition. The scientist from King’s College London said: “Some trends, such as one meal a day (OMAD), keep doing the rounds thanks to the social media hype. But here’s the thing. Intermittent fasting is not something I tend to recommend across the board. Sure some people genuinely thrive on it, but many others feel awful. “Like a lot of aspects of nutrition, it ultimately depends on the individual and the nuances such as the type of fasting. That said, the science doesn’t back up many of the bold, long-term claims you’ll see online. “There are likely to be other short-term ‘hangry’ side-effects, like irritability, dizziness, extreme hunger, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.” Dr Rossi suggested: “For those with more sensitive guts (which is up to 40 per cent of people), especially if bloating, reflux, or altered bowel movements are your norm, it’s a good idea to spread your meals out as much as possible instead of large servings in restricted periods. “If your goal is weight management, then it is more about WHAT you eat instead of WHEN you eat. Focus on meeting your 30g+ of fibre per day to help regulate your appetite and feed your microbes to support the gut: metabolism connection. “One approach I do recommend is leaving at least 13 hours between your last meal of the day and your first the next morning. This overnight fast gives your gut a well-earned rest.”