Study of the Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting

Main Findings of the Review

An analysis of the data showed that intermittent fasting does not lead to greater weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity compared to standard dietary recommendations or the absence of structured programs. These results challenge the widespread belief that changing meal timing produces better weight loss outcomes than traditional approaches.

The Relevance of the Obesity Problem

Obesity remains one of the leading causes of mortality in high-income countries and poses a serious public health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, since 1975, global obesity rates among adults have more than tripled. In 2022, about 2.5 billion adults were overweight, with 890 million suffering from obesity. As this issue continues to grow, intermittent fasting has gained popularity, fueled by social media trends and claims of rapid weight loss and improved metabolism.

Research Data

To assess the effectiveness of intermittent fasting, results from 22 randomized clinical trials involving 1,995 adults from North America, Europe, China, Australia, and South America were analyzed. The studies examined various fasting methods, including alternate-day and periodic fasting, as well as time-restricted eating. Most studies lasted up to one year. Comparisons with traditional dietary recommendations or no intervention did not reveal clinically significant differences in weight loss. In practice, intermittent fasting did not demonstrate advantages over standard recommendations or the absence of specific measures.

Limitations and Risks

Side effects were not always thoroughly documented in the studies, making it difficult to fully assess potential risks. The overall number of studies is limited, many are small in scale and vary in quality, which narrows the evidence base.

The Need for Further Research

Most studies included predominantly white participants from high-income countries. Given the rapid rise of obesity in low- and middle-income countries, additional research in these populations is necessary. There is also a lack of long-term studies, which complicates decision-making for patients and physicians, especially since obesity is a chronic condition.

An Individual Approach

Results may vary depending on gender, age, ethnicity, medical conditions, and existing eating habits. Given the current data, it is difficult to provide universal recommendations, so weight loss in adults with overweight requires a personalized approach.