What is this about fasting periods?

[redshepherd]

I'm seeing an about equal amount of opinions from both sides on more or less reputable owners here. Some people say that it's totally normal for an older ball python (maybe over 400g at least) to fast for 2~5 months every year, while others say that fasting is not normal and simply indicates a change in husbandry and should not occur if all the temperatures/husbandry stays consistent.

I haven't experienced any signs of fasting myself, but it's only the end of November of my first year with Cake. He's some 450g now.

Can we clear this fasting normal/not normal up? Is it forever just going to be opinions, or is there solid proof out there for either side?

(maybe I should've posted this in the General BP's category) <_<