Q: Dear Dr. Greg,

I'm a retired hockey player. Should I try daily intermittent fasting? I've been gaining weight ever since I left the league. I've tried a few other diets, but they don't seem to work. Should I give fasting a go? Will it hurt me in the weight room?

Larry | NHL

A: Dear Larry,

It depends. If you're a middle-aged retired athlete, daily intermittent fasting may be one of the best things you can do for your health. Skipping meals part of the day is a great way to lose weight. I believe that many retired athletes, particularly weightlifters, football, and baseball players, will trim their waistlines and shed a few pounds with fasting. Intermittent fasting may also help reduce your risk of diabetes, lower your blood pressure, combat aging, and reduce your risk from other serious diseases. You can read more about the benefits of intermittent fasting in my book, Why Doctors Skip Breakfast.

However, most professional and hardcore amateur athletes should NOT try intermittent fasting. Many pro athletes already struggle to eat enough, and fasting will make that even tougher. If you have a calorie deficit from rigorous training, it is not a good idea to limit your eating opportunities. I worry that fasting will decrease muscle growth for certain elite athletes. If you're a professional athlete interested in fasting, speak to your trainer or seek medical advice before you start.

Dr. Greg