Best Intermittent Fasting Book: Top Expert Picks for Beginners, Men, Women, and Over 50 Readers
Intermittent fasting isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a proven method supported by science to help manage weight, improve metabolic health, and promote longevity. While you can find countless videos and quick tips online, the depth, evidence, and clarity you get from a well-written book are unmatched.
If you’re searching for the best intermittent fasting book, this guide brings together top-rated, research-backed titles to help you understand fasting from every angle—whether you’re a beginner, a woman over 50, or simply curious about the 16:8 fasting method.
What Makes a Book the Best on Intermittent Fasting
The best intermittent fasting books simplify complex science, explain various fasting schedules, and offer guidance grounded in evidence and real-life application.
A reliable fasting book should:
- Explain how fasting affects insulin and metabolism
- Discuss different fasting methods (like 16:8, 5:2, or alternate-day fasting)
- Include case studies or expert insights
- Encourage safe and sustainable fasting habits
Let’s explore the top fasting books on Amazon that have helped millions transform their health.
Top 8 Intermittent Fasting Books For 2025
1. The Complete Guide to Fasting — Dr. Jason Fung & Jimmy Moore
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Fasting-Intermittent-Alternate-Day/dp/1628600012
When talking about the best intermittent fasting book, Dr. Jason Fung’s The Complete Guide to Fasting tops nearly every list. This book explains intermittent fasting in plain language and debunks common myths such as “fasting slows metabolism.”
It explores several fasting protocols, including 16:8, 24-hour, and 5:2 methods, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced fasters. Fung combines medical expertise with clinical research, while co-author Jimmy Moore brings practical experience from a ketogenic lifestyle.
2. Fast. Feast. Repeat. — Gin Stephens
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fast-Feast-Repeat-Comprehensive-Fasting-Including/dp/B08RP9D41Q
If you’re looking for a best intermittent fasting book for beginners, this title is a fantastic start. Gin Stephens, who also wrote Delay, Don’t Deny, makes fasting simple and approachable.
Her “clean fasting” method focuses on flexible yet disciplined routines. Fast. Feast. Repeat. also provides a scientific foundation that reassures readers fasting is a safe, sustainable lifestyle—not a fad diet.
Stephens’ friendly tone makes fasting feel achievable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
3. The Obesity Code — Dr. Jason Fung
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1538135187
A foundational text for understanding fasting’s role in weight loss, The Obesity Code unpacks how insulin resistance drives obesity. Rather than focusing only on calories, Dr. Fung explains how hormonal balance determines fat storage.
This is one of the best books on intermittent fasting for readers who love evidence-based science. It doesn’t just tell you what to do—it helps you understand why it works.
4. The FastDiet — Dr. Michael Mosley & Mimi Spencer
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/FastDiet-Weight-Healthy-Intermittent-Fasting/dp/1476734941
For those who prefer moderate fasting, The FastDiet is perfect. Dr. Michael Mosley introduced the 5:2 fasting method, where you eat normally for five days and reduce calories for two.
This book is clear, motivating, and filled with simple meal ideas. It’s especially useful for readers seeking a flexible fasting lifestyle instead of daily time restriction.
5. Life in the Fasting Lane — Dr. Jason Fung, Eve Mayer & Megan Ramos
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Fasting-Lane-Intermittent-Lifestyle-and/dp/0062969447
Life in the Fasting Lane is a collaboration between medical expertise and real-world experience. Dr. Fung, Eve Mayer, and Megan Ramos address both the science and psychology of fasting.
This book stands out for its relatable tone—discussing emotional eating, motivation, and habit formation. It’s one of the best fasting books for readers who want emotional support and realistic expectations alongside scientific insight.
6. Intuitive Fasting — Dr. Will Cole
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Intuitive-Fasting-York-Times-Bestseller/dp/1529377021
For readers who want a more mindful approach, Dr. Will Cole’s Intuitive Fasting teaches how to connect fasting with body awareness. Instead of rigid rules, it promotes flexibility and understanding your body’s signals.
This is a great choice if you’re looking for balance over restriction and want to merge fasting with a holistic wellness mindset.
7. The Intermittent Fasting Revolution — Mark P. Mattson
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Intermittent-Fasting-Revolution-Optimizing-Performance/dp/0262046407
Written by neuroscientist Dr. Mark Mattson, this is one of the most science-rich titles available. It details fasting’s effects on brain performance, longevity, and cellular health.
This book is perfect for readers who appreciate a deeper dive into the mechanisms of fasting, including its impact on aging and disease prevention.
8. The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Women — Megan Ramos & Dr. Jason Fung
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-Intermittent-Fasting-Women/dp/1771645415
Best Intermittent Fasting Book for Women
This is the best intermittent fasting book for women seeking evidence-based advice tailored to female physiology. Megan Ramos, a clinical researcher, and Dr. Jason Fung combine years of data to show how fasting can support hormonal balance, fat loss, and metabolic stability.
Unlike generic fasting advice, this book covers how women can adjust fasting schedules during different hormonal phases. It’s a compassionate, informative guide that helps women fast safely and effectively.
Best Intermittent Fasting Book for Men
Men tend to respond differently to fasting due to muscle mass, testosterone levels, and lifestyle factors. The top recommendations for men are:
- The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung (for understanding fat metabolism)
- The Complete Guide to Fasting (for structured fasting plans)
- Life in the Fasting Lane (for long-term adherence)
These books help men understand muscle preservation, energy optimization, and insulin control through evidence-backed methods.
Best Intermittent Fasting Book for Beginners
Starting fasting can feel confusing at first. For beginners, the following titles make fasting easy to understand and apply:
- Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens
- The FastDiet by Michael Mosley
- The Complete Guide to Fasting by Jason Fung
These books explain fasting windows, what to eat, and how to handle hunger—making them perfect for newcomers.
Best Books on Intermittent Fasting 16:8
The 16:8 fasting schedule is one of the most popular methods, where you fast for 16 hours and eat within an 8-hour window.
The best books covering this method include:
- Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens
- The Obesity Code by Jason Fung
- Intuitive Fasting by Dr. Will Cole
These books provide insight into how the 16:8 approach can improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support long-term weight management.
Best Intermittent Fasting Book PDF
If you prefer reading on a device, many fasting books are available in PDF or Kindle format on Amazon.
For example:
- The Complete Guide to Fasting (Kindle & PDF versions)
- Fast. Feast. Repeat. (Kindle edition)
- The Obesity Code (eBook)
Visit Amazon’s page for downloadable options:
https://www.amazon.com/best-selling-intermittent-fasting-book/s?k=best+selling+intermittent+fasting+book
These digital versions are great for on-the-go learning and often include interactive tables or bonus materials.
Intermittent Fasting Book PDF: Free vs. Paid Options
Some websites offer free summaries or unofficial PDFs, but for accuracy, always choose official editions. Author-approved versions ensure that the science, charts, and protocols are correct—crucial for your health and progress.
Best Book for Intermittent Fasting Over 50
Fasting after 50 can deliver significant benefits, including improved energy, blood sugar control, and brain clarity—but it requires a tailored approach.
The best book for intermittent fasting over 50 is The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Women by Megan Ramos and The Complete Guide to Fasting by Dr. Fung.
These titles provide safe fasting practices that respect age-related changes in metabolism and muscle retention.
Best Intermittent Fasting Book for Women Over 50
Women over 50 experience unique challenges such as menopause and insulin sensitivity changes.
The best intermittent fasting book for women over 50 is The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Women (https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Guide-Intermittent-Fasting-Women/dp/1771645415).
It explains how fasting can improve menopausal symptoms, bone health, and metabolic flexibility. The book’s step-by-step approach helps women ease into fasting without hormonal disruption.
How to Choose the Right Book for You
When selecting a fasting book, consider:
- Your gender and age (women’s needs differ from men’s)
- Your experience level (beginner vs. advanced)
- Your health goals (weight loss, longevity, or energy)
Always choose authors with scientific credibility—doctors, researchers, and certified nutrition experts—rather than influencers without medical training.
Final Thoughts:
The best intermittent fasting book isn’t just about skipping meals—it’s about understanding your body, hormones, and long-term health.
Each of the books listed here provides a different angle: some are practical, others scientific, and a few emotional. Together, they form a complete fasting education.
Whether you’re a man seeking metabolic clarity, a woman balancing hormones, or someone over 50 aiming for better energy, there’s a fasting book written just for you.
You can explore all these titles here:
https://www.amazon.com/best-selling-intermittent-fasting-book/s?k=best+selling+intermittent+fasting+book
