Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Study: 'Fake Fasting' Diet May Reverse Aging, Improve Health
Fake fasting is a diet that acts like water fasting but lets you eat some things.
A study shows it might make you younger and healthier.
Fake fasting, or FMD, is a diet mimicking water fasting's effects
It involves cycling specific nutrients in limited amounts
FMD can lead to weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and cellular repair
A study in Nature Communications found FMD can reduce biological age
FMD may also improve dementia signs, as per a 2023 study
- Who
- People following the 'fake fasting' or FMD diet
- What
- A study on the effects of FMD on aging and health
- When
- The study was published in 2024
- Where
- The study was conducted in clinical trial populations
- Why
- To investigate the health benefits of FMD
Proponents of FMD
Skeptics
Long-term effects
Proponents of FMD
More research is needed to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of FMD
Skeptics
Some people may not be able to sustain the diet long-term due to its restrictive nature
- Diet Duration
- Five days of FMD followed by 25 days of normal diet
- FMD Components
- Plant-based soups, energy bars, drinks, chips, tea, and supplements
- Study Participants
- Men and women aged 18-70
- Study Findings
- Reduced diabetes risk factors, improved metabolic and immune function, potential reduction in biological age