Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that has moved from a niche health practice to a major wellness trend, largely due to its adoption by high-profile figures. This approach focuses on the timing of food intake, rather than restricting specific food types or calories, by cycling between periods of eating and voluntary fasting. As celebrities openly discuss their use of IF, mainstream interest has surged, with many people seeking to replicate the reported body composition and energy benefits. The popularity of this method comes from its flexibility, offering multiple distinct schedules that can be tailored to various lifestyles.
Understanding Common Intermittent Fasting Protocols
The most widely practiced form of IF is Time-Restricted Eating, which involves fasting every day for a fixed number of hours. The most common schedule is the 16/8 method, where an individual fasts for 16 hours and consumes all calories within the remaining 8-hour window. This protocol is often favored because it naturally incorporates the hours spent sleeping, requiring only the skipping or delay of breakfast or dinner to meet the fasting requirement.
Another established approach is the 5:2 method, which focuses on periodic fasting rather than daily time restriction. Individuals eat normally for five days of the week, but significantly restrict their calorie intake to about 500 to 600 calories on the two non-consecutive days. This pattern allows for metabolic changes to occur without requiring daily adherence to a tight eating window.
A more intensive, but less frequent, protocol is the Eat-Stop-Eat method, which involves a complete 24-hour fast once or twice per week. For instance, a person might eat dinner on Monday and then refrain from consuming any calories until dinner on Tuesday. This longer fasting duration aims to induce a greater metabolic shift.
Celebrity Endorsements and Specific Fasting Methods
The 16/8 method has been widely embraced by actors seeking to maintain a lean, muscular physique for demanding roles. Hugh Jackman, for example, has publicly detailed his use of the 16/8 schedule to achieve the physique required for his superhero roles, consuming his meals within a compact window to manage body fat levels. Similarly, actor Terry Crews adheres to the 16/8 protocol, often fasting until 2 PM, which he credits with keeping him in peak physical condition.
Other major Hollywood figures have adopted the same time-restricted schedule as a wellness practice. Jennifer Aniston follows a 16/8 regimen, delaying her first meal until late morning and noting a positive difference from the 16-hour fast. Mark Wahlberg utilizes an even more compressed eating period, often following an 18/6 schedule where he fasts for 18 hours and eats during a six-hour window, sometimes adjusting this based on his intense training days.
The 5:2 and 24-hour fasting methods also have celebrity advocates. Television host Jimmy Kimmel follows the 5:2 approach, which he began after reading about the potential longevity benefits of calorie restriction. Reality star Kourtney Kardashian has implemented a hybrid approach, combining a daily 14- to 16-hour fast with a more extended 24-hour fast once a week.
The Reported Goals and Outcomes of Celebrity IF
A common reported motivation for celebrity IF is the pursuit of improved energy and mental focus during the extended fasting window. Actress Scarlett Johansson reported that the practice helped her maintain a slim figure while simultaneously boosting her mental clarity for her acting commitments. Vanessa Hudgens, who follows an 18/6 schedule, also cited increased mental clarity and higher energy levels during her workouts.
For those in physically demanding careers, the primary goal is often body composition and weight management. Actor Terry Crews characterized his consistent 16/8 schedule as his personal “fountain of youth,” claiming it has helped him look and feel better in his 50s than he did in his 20s. Hugh Jackman reported that the 16/8 method allowed him to successfully gain muscle mass while preventing the accumulation of excess body fat, a challenge when preparing for action roles.
Beyond physique, celebrities frequently point to general wellness and anti-aging effects. Model Elsa Pataky mentioned being drawn to IF primarily for its anti-aging benefits. Hugh Jackman specifically noted that his fasting routine contributes to significantly better sleep, which aids in repair and recovery.
Other claimed outcomes include improved digestion and overall metabolic health. Tech executive Jack Dorsey, who follows a one-meal-a-day pattern, stated that the time saved from not eating breakfast and lunch allows him to focus more intently on his work. These reported results highlight how celebrities view IF as a framework for enhancing productivity and overall healthspan.