Many dieters think that by bingeing and starving, they are doing themselves a favour by "balancing out" the effects of one on the other. Unfortunately, scientists say that this couldn't be further from the truth and that we are doing more harm to ourselves than once believed.

Stunted growth
Glasgow University conducted experiments into the effects of a binge/starve diet on the life expectancy of stickleback fish, revealing worrying results. It was found that the fish on the extreme diet had only three quarters of the same life expectancy as those fish on a more regulated diet.

The scientists say that this research only really applies to teenagers and young people, because sticklebacks are constantly growing until their death. The results found that eating lots, then little at regular intervals stunted their growth and affected the production of body tissues.

Professor Neil Metcalfe said:: "Applying this to humans, it would only occur in children and teenagers. But it would be for extreme switches in diet. Just skipping lunches would not have any effect, but if they had several weeks of one diet followed by several weeks of the extreme opposite, then there could be an effect."

Reduce calories for a longer life
By contrast, it has been proven that certain diets can actually improve our life expectancy, even if they are taken up in adulthood. Reducing our intake of calories by up to 25% can aid our chances of living longer, according to a study done by the Louisiana State University.

Volunteers that were put on a calorie controlled diet found that their insulin levels between meals was lower, they had lower core body temperatures and there was a reduction in cell damage – all of which are indications of longevity.