Systematic Review: Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
By
lxm
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Summary
The systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluates the effects of intermittent fasting diets (alternate day fasting, time-restricted eating, and whole-day fasting) compared to continuous energy restriction and ad-libitum diets on body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. The study analyzed 99 randomized clinical trials involving 6,582 adults, finding that intermittent fasting and continuous energy restriction diets reduced body weight compared to ad-libitum diets. Alternate day fasting showed the most significant weight reduction benefits, with minor differences in lipid profiles among fasting strategies. The evidence suggests intermittent fasting has similar benefits to continuous energy restriction, though longer-term trials are needed for further validation.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledAll intermittent fasting and continuous energy restriction diet strategies reduced body weight when compared with ad-libitum diet.
Alternate day fasting was the only form of intermittent fasting diet strategy to show benefit in body weight reduction.
Minor differences were noted between some intermittent fasting diets and continuous energy restriction, with some benefit of weight loss with alternate day fasting in shorter duration trials.
The current evidence provides some indication that intermittent fasting diets have similar benefits to continuous energy restriction for weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors.
