Dear Komal, - Do doctors/dieticians recommend intermittent fasting?

Ans:

The primary goal of intermittent fasting is ingesting food in synchrony with an optimal postprandial hormonal response. Although, the fasting hours can be different each day, listening to your body is important.

Fasting as per the circadian rhythm is ideal.

Long fasting hours are not ideal for diabetics, especially those on medication. If practised, it should be done under the supervision of a qualified nutritionist/dietician.

Results from intermittent fasting can sometimes take two and more months to become evident. It must be followed with caution and proper guidance.

Ans: What is the intention behind intermittent fasting?
Is it for weight loss or to sort out digestive issues?
For a 53 yrs individual
two meal is good enough along with a fruit/Veg salad in the mid day
Having early dinner before 7 pm is always good for all

Ans: IF is a very good way to improve insulin resistance and therefore improve fat metabolism. However, it needs to be done with proper calorie restriction and good hydration. Common problems with IF are acidity, bloating, sleep disturbances and dehydration.

Ans: Hello. Occasional acid reflux if you don't break your fast gently and overeat during the eating period.

Ans: If you are a male, then your weight for height seems fine. Though, you can definitely benefit by reducing some weight. A better approach would be that you get a body fat analysis done and focus on reducing fat and building muscles.
If you are a female, an ideal weight is height in cm minus 105. In that case, your ideal weight would be 57 kg and you can benefit by weight reduction, more.

Irrespective of what is your gender, Intermittent or time restricted fasting in any form is good. It is a way of restricted eating and thus reducing calories intake. It benefits multiple ways including weight reduction and improving metabolism.
I would also advise that alongside fasting, if you focus on physical activity and some aerobic and resistance exercises, that would also help in building muscles and strength and keeping weight under control.

Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Centre for Health: The Specialty practice
Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi,