Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm found that long breaks between meals are linked to faster accumulation of chronic diseases in older adults.
The study, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, analyzed health data from 2,981 residents of Stockholm aged 60 and older who were monitored for approximately 15 years. Researchers evaluated the duration of the longest daily break between meals for each participant and tracked how quickly new chronic health conditions appeared over time.
Data from the investigation revealed that individuals who routinely went between 14 and 24 hours without eating accumulated chronic diseases at a faster rate than participants who took shorter breaks between meals. The accelerated progression of illness was observed across multiple health categories, including both the overall number of chronic conditions and specific diagnoses of cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric diseases.
Increased risk among older seniors
The statistical association between long meal breaks and rapid disease accumulation was particularly pronounced in participants older than 78 years. Among this older cohort, the rate at which new chronic health problems developed was significantly higher for those who practiced extended daily fasting intervals.
The authors of the study emphasized that their findings demonstrate a statistical connection rather than direct cause and effect. The research does not prove that long breaks between meals directly accelerate the development of chronic illnesses in older adults.
However, the researchers noted that the results indicate that eating patterns may affect older people differently than younger demographics. While extended fasting has gained attention for its potential health effects in younger adults, its impact on elderly individuals appears to involve different physiological mechanisms.
Medical research background
The Karolinska Institute, situated in Solna near Stockholm, is a world renowned medical university responsible for selecting candidates for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The study was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, a peer reviewed medical journal that reports on clinical research and advancements across internal medicine disciplines.
The finding builds on ongoing scientific inquiries into how dietary habits and specific foods influence health outcomes in aging populations. Related research has previously shown that bioactive substances found in leafy green vegetables offer protective benefits against cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the complex relationship between dietary choices, meal timing, and long term disease prevention.
