We Were Wrong About Fasting, Massive Study Finds

A review of 63 articles, 71 studies, and 3,484 participants found no meaningful overall cognitive difference between fasting and fed groups.

Short-term fasting generally did not impair memory, attention, or decision-making in healthy adults.

Small declines appeared mainly after longer fasts, in younger participants, and on food-related tasks.

The results challenge the idea that skipping meals makes people mentally sluggish, while suggesting extra caution for children and prolonged fasts.