IT'S hard to escape wellness trends – especially when celebrities get on board.

Investor Elon Musk has now revealed he has lost over 20lbs since starting a new weight loss programme.

Posting on Twitter, the 51-year-old encouraged his followers to share their life hacks and things that work for them.

Sharing his own tips he said: "On advice of a good friend, I’ve been fasting periodically & feel healthier."

One user asked how much weight he had lost so far, to which he replied: "Over 20 lbs down from my (unhealthy) peak weight."

Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla, said he had been using the Zero fasting app to help with his progress.

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Now one nutritionist has revealed the secret behind intermittent fasting, if it works and why it's so controversial.

Signe Svanfeldt, expert at Lifesum said it's a diet that has been growing in popularity recently.

She explained: "Many believe that the diet will increase their longevity, increase brain capacity and improve overall wellbeing.

"Some use the diet to lose weight, but for others it’s more about other believed health benefits. 

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"Even if some studies do point in that direction, the results from those studies can be due to multiple other factors such as type of food eaten, lifestyle, physical activity etc.

"What we can conclude is that more solid evidence is needed before drawing any conclusions."

What does it involve?

Many people like intermittent fasting as it's a diet that works around you and your schedule.

It can be done in a variety of ways, but it all comes down to two different cycles.

This is the period you are allowed to eat and the period of time that you are not.

Signe explained that this period means you have to stay away from all food and beverages that contain energy.

The guru added: "How long the “eating window” is varies, but it’s commonly around 8 hours, and the fasting period lasts for the remaining 16 hours of the day where only beverages such as water, plain coffee or tea is “allowed”. "

The nutritionist explained that there is a range of plans that include the 5:2 (two days of restrictive eating per week), and the 6:1 (one day of restrictive eating per week).

Does it work?

While Musk said it worked for him, Signe said there is still more evidence needed to see how affective the plan is.

"It can be a helpful eating pattern for those who want to lose weight, as they eat less than they would if eating for more hours by, for example, skipping breakfast and only eating lunch, snack and dinner.

"Some people experience an increased wellbeing by the diet, and for others it doesn’t work at all."

Are there any risks?

If you do intermittent fasting in a healthy, balanced way, where you include a lot of nutritious foods in line with your energy requirements, the diet may be beneficial for you.

Signe said there are resources on the Lifesum app which are available that can help you discover the best way for you to fast.

"Eating a sufficient amount of energy, as well as a balanced split between macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat), is vital for optimal wellbeing," she added.

However, Signe warned that restricting the times when allowed to eat, like intermittent fasting, is not for everyone.

For example, Signe said the diet can be dangerous for people with diabetes, eating disorders or during pregnancy.

It can also be challenging for athletes to meet their energy needs during the short eating window, she said.

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"Our bodies need to focus on recovering and doing other things than digesting foods, although it can do so in the night during the hours we sleep.

"Remember, there are no eating patterns that suit us all. Finding a way that fits you and your lifestyle is key," she added.

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