A recent study has cast doubt on the effectiveness of intermittent fasting, stating that the scientific evidence does not support the hype surrounding this popular dieting method. Despite being endorsed by various celebrities and politicians for weight management, intermittent fasting may not deliver the promised results.
Intermittent fasting encompasses several strategies, including alternate day fasting and time-restricted eating such as the 16:8 diet. The 5:2 diet, involving five days of normal eating and two days of fasting per week, is another variant. A comprehensive review conducted by Cochrane analyzed 22 trials involving nearly 2,000 adults from different regions worldwide, evaluating the impact of intermittent fasting on weight loss.
The review compared various forms of intermittent fasting with traditional dietary recommendations. Surprisingly, the findings indicated that intermittent fasting might not lead to significant weight loss for overweight or obese individuals. According to Luis Garegnani, the lead author of the review, intermittent fasting may not be the most effective approach for weight management in this population.
Eva Madrid, a senior author of the study, emphasized the need for personalized recommendations when it comes to advising overweight individuals on weight loss strategies due to the inconclusive nature of the existing evidence. The Health Survey for England revealed alarming statistics, with 30% of adults classified as obese and 66% either overweight or obese. Additionally, a significant portion of the population was found to be physically inactive and at risk of high cholesterol levels.
