• Published on: Mar 27, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is Intermittent Fasting? Does It Have Health Benefits?

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Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. It doesn't specify which foods you should eat, but rather when you should eat them.  There are many different types of IF, but the most common is probably the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and then eat during an 8-hour window. Other popular methods include the 5:2 diet (fasting for two days per week and eating normally for the other five), as well as more extreme versions like the warrior diet (eating only one large meal per day). IF has become popular in recent years because it's a simple way to lose weight without having to count calories.

There are a lot of different ways to do intermittent fasting, but the basic idea is that you go without food for a set period of time, and then eat all your meals in a shorter window. For example, you might fast for 16 hours and then eat all your meals during an 8-hour window.

Some people do this every day, while others do it on alternate days. There is some evidence to suggest that intermittent fasting can have health benefits, including weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects. Intermittent fasting is not suitable for everyone, so speak to your doctor before starting if you have any health concerns. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. It doesn't specify which foods you should eat, but rather when you should eat them. In this respect, it's more of a lifestyle change than a diet.

Research on intermittent fasting is still in its early stages, but there's some evidence to suggest that it may have health benefits. Intermittent fasting may help boost weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects. If you're interested in trying intermittent fasting, it's important to work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to make sure it's safe for you and right for your goals.

Intermittent fasting has many health benefits. Out of all the diets out there, it is one of the most sustainable in the long term. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of fasting and eating. It does not specify which foods you should eat, but rather when you should eat them. There are many health benefits associated with intermittent fasting, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation.  It can be used for weight loss, weight maintenance, or simply as a way of eating that fits your lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to intermittent fasting – it can be adapted to your own personal preferences and goals

Some of the other health benefits associated with intermittent fasting, including improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, and weight loss. Intermittent fasting has also been shown to improve mental clarity and focus, as well as increase levels of human growth hormone (HGH). Overall, intermittent fasting is a safe and effective way to improve your health and lose weight.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to approach intermittent fasting (IF) depends on your individual health goals and lifestyle. However, in general, IF is an eating pattern that involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating. Some people use IF to lose weight, while others use it to improve overall health or increase their tolerance for exercise. Research suggests that IF may offer a number of health benefits, including weight loss, improved mental clarity and decreased inflammation. Additionally, IF may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Overall, however, more research is needed before any definitive claims can be made about the role of IF in promoting health.

There are a number of health benefits associated with intermittent fasting, including weight loss, improved metabolism, reduced inflammation, and improved brain function. Additionally, it can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Intermittent fasting is not right for everyone, however, so be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise plan. Separate fasting days allow only water, juice, or non-calorie beverages. Diets 50% reduction some on calorie intake 2 days per week is also a type of intermittent fasting. There are also methods where people eat normally 5 days per week and then reduce their calorie intake to 25% two days per week. Fasting has been practiced throughout history and its benefits have been acknowledged by many different cultures around the world.

Today, moderate forms of intermittent fasting are becoming increasingly popular as people look for convenient and effective ways to improve their health and lose weight. When done correctly, intermittent fasting can offer some major health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, decreased inflammation, and enhanced brain function. There is growing evidence that intermittent fasting, or going without food for certain periods of time, may offer health benefits. Intermittent fasting may help boost weight loss, improve blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and more. Research on intermittent fasting is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to confirm the potential health benefits. However, if you're considering trying intermittent fasting, speak with your doctor first to discuss whether it's right for you.

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Flexible Work Schedules with Telehealth Support: A Smarter Approach to Employee Wellbeing

The modern workplace is undergoing a significant transformation. Rigid office hours and traditional healthcare access models are giving way to flexible work schedules and digital health solutions. One of the most impactful combinations emerging in corporate wellness is flexible work schedules with telehealth support.

This integrated approach addresses two critical challenges faced by today’s workforce: work-life imbalance and delayed healthcare access.

 

Why Workplace Health Models Need to Change

According to NITI Aayog and EY-FICCI workforce reports, Indian employees face rising levels of:

  • work-related stress
     

  • lifestyle diseases
     

  • burnout
     

  • absenteeism
     

Long working hours, commuting stress and limited time for medical visits worsen health outcomes. Flexible work arrangements and telehealth support directly address these gaps.

 

What Are Flexible Work Schedules?

Flexible work schedules allow employees to:

  • adjust start and end times
     

  • work remotely or in hybrid formats
     

  • manage personal commitments alongside work
     

Flexibility empowers employees to align work with their physical and mental health needs.

 

Understanding Telehealth Support

Telehealth uses digital platforms to deliver healthcare services such as:

  • online doctor consultations
     

  • follow-up care
     

  • preventive health advice
     

  • mental health support
     

It eliminates geographical and time barriers to healthcare.

 

Why Combining Flexibility with Telehealth Works

Individually, flexibility and telehealth are beneficial. Together, they create a powerful wellness ecosystem.

This combination allows employees to:

  • consult doctors without taking leave
     

  • manage chronic conditions proactively
     

  • address early symptoms promptly
     

  • reduce healthcare delays
     

 

Health Benefits for Employees

Reduced Stress and Burnout

Flexible schedules reduce time pressure, while telehealth removes healthcare-related anxiety.

 

Improved Access to Preventive Care

Employees are more likely to seek early consultations when care is convenient.

 

Better Management of Chronic Conditions

Conditions like hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disorders require regular follow-up, which telehealth supports efficiently.

 

Enhanced Mental Wellbeing

Tele-mental health services enable confidential and timely support.

 

Improved Work-Life Balance

Employees can prioritise health without compromising job responsibilities.

 

Productivity Benefits for Employers

Reduced Absenteeism

Quick access to care reduces prolonged sick leave.

 

Improved Employee Engagement

Health-supported employees show higher motivation and loyalty.

 

Lower Healthcare Costs

Preventive care reduces long-term medical claims.

 

Strong Employer Branding

Wellness-focused policies attract and retain talent.

 

Evidence Supporting Flexible Work and Telehealth

According to WHO and Lancet workplace health studies:

  • flexible work reduces stress-related disorders
     

  • telehealth improves healthcare utilisation
     

  • preventive care lowers chronic disease burden
     

Indian corporate data mirrors these findings, especially in hybrid work environments.

 

Role in Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on early risk identification and lifestyle management.

Flexible schedules with telehealth support:

  • encourage routine checkups
     

  • support ongoing health monitoring
     

  • enable early intervention
     

This aligns with India’s preventive healthcare priorities outlined by NITI Aayog.

 

Addressing Common Concerns

Productivity Loss Myth

Multiple studies show flexible work improves output rather than reducing it.

 

Quality of Telehealth

Telehealth is effective for most primary care and follow-up needs.

 

Data Security

Modern telehealth platforms follow strict privacy and data protection standards.

 

Ideal Use Cases in the Workplace

This model is particularly effective for:

  • IT and corporate offices
     

  • remote and hybrid teams
     

  • organisations with distributed workforce
     

  • high-stress work environments
     

 

Implementation Best Practices

To maximise impact:

  • set clear flexibility guidelines
     

  • integrate telehealth access into HR benefits
     

  • promote preventive consultations
     

  • track wellness metrics
     

Leadership support is key to adoption.

 

Long-Term Organisational Impact

Organisations adopting this model report:

  • improved employee health indicators
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • stronger workplace culture
     

  • sustainable productivity gains
     

Wellbeing becomes a strategic advantage.

 

Conclusion

Flexible work schedules with telehealth support represent the future of employee wellbeing. By removing barriers to healthcare access and allowing employees control over their work routines, this approach promotes preventive care, reduces stress and enhances productivity. As workplaces evolve, integrating flexibility with digital health support is not just an employee benefit—it is a strategic investment in long-term organisational health and resilience.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Framework

  •  Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Workforce Health Studies

  • NITI Aayog – Digital Health and Workplace Wellness Reports

  • Lancet – Telehealth and Workforce Productivity Research

  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Future of Work Reports

  • Statista – Telehealth Adoption and Workforce Trends

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