Lay summary
This study aims to explore Pacific people’s perceptions of using fasting as a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Specifically, it will enable talanoa (discussion) among the Pacific community of the physical, social, cultural, and spiritual realities of intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary practice focused not on what one eats but when one eats. It has several potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin and blood glucose, enhanced metabolism, and life expectancy. Further, IF has been shown to prevent cancer cell growth and spread. Seventy percent of Pacific people belong to a Christian religion, and fasting is a common practice for spiritual purposes. Because IF has multiple health benefits, it may effectively address several key health challenges among Pacific people such as obesity and cancer. This study will help to establish whether IF is a suitable health service intervention to reduce health inequities for Pacific peoples.