Intermittent fasting no better than typical weight loss diets, study finds

9 days ago

Intermittent fasting is no more effective for weight loss than traditional diets.
People lose only about 3% of their body weight through fasting, below the clinically meaningful 5% threshold.
The review analyzed 22 global studies, all short-term (up to 12 months).
Intermittent fasting is not a miracle solution but can be one option among several for weight management.
No strong evidence shows intermittent fasting improves quality of life more than other diets.
Many studies are short-term and of poor quality, making firm conclusions difficult.
Benefits may depend on timing due to the body's circadian rhythms and metabolism.
Animal studies suggest fasting can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and trigger autophagy.
Weight loss from fasting is minimal compared to no dieting, possibly due to reduced physical activity.
Prolonged fasting (beyond 3 days) may be needed for significant metabolic changes.

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