Exploring Fasting: Benefits, Research, and Various Approaches

Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Pennie Taylor to unpack the different approaches to fasting and the science behind each one. Pennie, who’s not only an expert in food research but also played a key role in developing the low-carb diet with CSIRO, walks us through the evidence supporting fasting-mimicking, intermittent fasting, and the 5:2 diet. Together, we explore how each method holds merit but recognise that not all are easy to integrate into a busy lifestyle. Pennie shares insights into the groundbreaking work of scientists exploring fasting’s many benefits, from metabolic health to longevity.
Ultimately, we agree that fasting mimicking—where you eat three small meals daily over 3-6 days—is the most lifestyle-friendly approach. It allows you to experience the health benefits of fasting without the extended periods of going without food, making it a sustainable and effective way to support long-term wellness..

Learn more about alternate weight management options from Dr. Pennie, including her insights on incorporating these diets into your life and how they can positively impact your health and well-being! Tune in now!

Episode Highlights

• Discussion on fasting approaches and the importance of research in practice

• Flexibility of fasting-mimicking for individuals

• Understanding fasting days and time-restricted eating

• Fasting mimicking approach and cellular rejuvenation

• Personalised nutrition and health conditions

About Dr. Pennie:

Dr. Pennie Taylor is a Senior Research Scientist and Dietitian at the Australian e-Health Research Centre (AEHRC), working on Digital Therapeutics and Care projects in Health & Biosecurity. Her work at CSIRO involves designing, delivering, and evaluating large-scale clinical and community trials that investigate the effects of dietary patterns and compositions on health outcomes. This includes weight management, metabolic health, and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, using health technologies like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and mobile apps.

With over two decades of clinical practice, Pennie excels at turning research findings into nutrition and health programs. She has played a key role in the commercial development and publication of community weight loss programs (Impromy.com) and co-authored several books, including *The CSIRO Low Carb Diet Book* (2017), *The CSIRO Low Carb Everyday Book* (2018), and *The CSIRO Healthy Gut Diet* (2017).

Pennie is an active member of the primary health community and serves on committees for Dietitians Australia (DA), the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS), and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). She is also a member of the Primary Health Network (PHN) Clinical Council in South Australia.

Her broad experience allows her to collaborate with various stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals, to create innovative virtual care solutions for healthcare delivery and management.

Pennie earned her Ph.D. from the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine, where she focused on strategies to optimize glucose variability and self-management using real-time continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes.

Connect with Dr. Pennie Taylor:

• Linkedin | www.linkedin.com/in/pennie-taylor

• Website | www.csiro.au

• Instagram | www.instagram.com/csirogram

If you are interested and want to learn more about Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast (AWLS) check out our website at australianweightlosssurgerypodcast.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.