Intermittent fasting as effective as continuous fasting for weight loss: Study.

Intermittent fasting is as effective as continuous fasting for weight loss finds a new Study.The new research has been published in the International Journal of Obesity.

Intermittent fasting or intermittent energy restriction continues to gain popularity as a weight loss strategy; however, data assessing it's long-term viability is limited.

Intermittent fasting is a convenient way to restrict calories without consciously trying to eat less. Many studies show that it can help in weight loss and reduction of belly fat.

The researchers conducted a study to follow up with participants 12 months after they had completed a 12-month dietary intervention trial involving continuous energy restriction and two forms of intermittent energy restriction; a week-on-week-off energy restriction and a 5:2 programme, assessing long-term changes on weight, body composition, blood lipids and glucose.

The researchers assessed long-term changes related to weight, body composition, blood lipids and glucose among adults who completed a 12-month intermittent energy restriction intervention in this study. In all a total of 109 overweight and obese adults completed a 12-month dietary intervention involving either continuous energy restriction, week-on-week-off energy restriction, or 5:2 (5 days of usual eating and 2 days of ~75% energy restriction).

The investigators found that Weight decreased for all individuals, with no differences between the type of intervention (−4.5 ± 4.9 kg for continuous energy restriction, −2.8 ± 6.5 kg for week-on, week-off, and −3.5 ± 5.1 kg for 5:2). Total cholesterol and glucose decreased over time.

The researchers concluded that Intermittent fasting was as effective in achieving modest weight loss as continuous fasting or energy restriction. These findings can help counsel overweight or obese patients who are on different strategies for achieving weight loss.

For further reference log on to:

Headland, M.L., Clifton, P.M. & Keogh, J.B. Impact of intermittent vs. continuous energy restriction on weight and cardiometabolic factors: a 12-month follow-up. Int J Obes 44, 1236–1242 (2020).

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-020-0525-7