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

What Is Intermittent Fasting? Does It Have Health Benefits?

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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Lower Premiums for Health Score Achievers: How Preventive Wellness Rewards Healthy Choices

Healthcare costs are rising steadily across India, driven largely by lifestyle-related diseases and late-stage diagnosis. In response, organisations and insurers are shifting focus from reactive treatment to prevention. One of the most effective approaches emerging from this shift is offering lower premiums for health score achievers.

This model aligns personal health responsibility with financial incentives, creating a win–win situation for individuals, employers and insurers.

What Is a Health Score?

A health score is a composite indicator that reflects an individual’s overall health status.

It typically considers:

preventive health checkup results
lifestyle habits such as physical activity and sleep
key biomarkers like blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure
body composition indicators

The focus is on risk reduction, not perfection.

Why Health Score–Based Premiums Are Gaining Importance

According to NITI Aayog and EY-FICCI reports, preventive healthcare can reduce long-term medical costs by up to 30–40 percent.

Health score–linked premiums:

reward proactive behaviour
reduce claim frequency
encourage early detection

This shifts healthcare from illness management to health preservation.

The Preventive Healthcare Gap in India

NFHS-5 and ICMR data show:

many chronic diseases remain undiagnosed until advanced stages
preventive screenings are underutilised
lifestyle risks are increasing among working adults

Health score incentives help close this gap.

How Lower Premiums Motivate Behaviour Change

Financial Incentives Drive Consistency

When healthy habits are rewarded financially, individuals are more likely to:

attend regular screenings
improve diet and activity
monitor health metrics

Behaviour change becomes sustainable.

Focus on Improvement, Not Punishment

Modern health score models emphasise:

gradual improvement
personalised targets
achievable milestones

This avoids discouragement and promotes inclusion.

Benefits for Individuals

Reduced Insurance Costs

Lower premiums directly reduce out-of-pocket insurance expenses.

Better Health Awareness

Tracking health scores increases understanding of:

personal risk factors
lifestyle impact
preventive actions

Knowledge leads to better choices.

Early Disease Detection

Regular monitoring identifies:

prediabetes
early hypertension
lipid abnormalities

Early intervention prevents complications.

Benefits for Employers

Lower Healthcare Claims

Preventive health programs reduce:

hospitalisations
long-term treatment costs

This improves corporate insurance sustainability.

Improved Productivity

Healthier employees experience:

fewer sick days
better energy levels
improved focus

Wellbeing translates to performance.

Stronger Wellness Culture

Reward-based programs signal genuine employer commitment to health.

Benefits for Insurers

Health score–based premiums help insurers:

manage risk more accurately
reduce high-cost claims
promote preventive engagement

This supports long-term viability of insurance models.

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Preventive screenings form the backbone of health scoring.

They help track:

metabolic health
cardiovascular risk
nutritional deficiencies

NITI Aayog identifies screening as the most cost-effective health intervention.

Addressing Privacy and Fairness Concerns

Responsible programs ensure:

data confidentiality
voluntary participation
non-discriminatory design

Transparency builds trust and engagement.

Making Health Scores Inclusive

Inclusive programs:

adjust for age and baseline health
reward progress
offer support for high-risk individuals

Equity is essential for success.

Integration with Digital Health Platforms

Digital tools enable:

real-time health tracking
personalised insights
long-term trend monitoring

This improves engagement and accuracy.

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Widespread adoption of health score incentives can:

reduce lifestyle disease burden
shift focus to prevention
improve population health outcomes

WHO supports incentive-based preventive health strategies globally.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Common challenges include:

low initial engagement
lack of awareness
resistance to change

Solutions involve education, simplicity and continuous support.

Why Lower Premiums Are More Effective Than Penalties

Positive reinforcement:

motivates sustained behaviour change
reduces anxiety
builds trust

Punitive models often discourage participation.

Future of Health Score–Linked Premiums in India

As digital health infrastructure expands, health score–based models are expected to:

become more personalised
integrate AI-driven insights
support nationwide preventive strategies

This marks a shift toward value-based healthcare.

Conclusion

Lower premiums for health score achievers represent a powerful shift toward preventive, value-driven healthcare. By rewarding healthy behaviours, early screening and consistent wellness practices, these programs benefit individuals, employers and insurers alike. Financial incentives aligned with health outcomes encourage long-term behaviour change, reduce disease burden and create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. In a country facing rising lifestyle diseases, health score–linked premiums are not just an incentive—they are a strategic investment in healthier futures.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Preventive Healthcare and Incentive Models
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Prevention
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Health Indicators
NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Insurance Reform Reports
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Healthcare Cost Studies

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