Intermittent fasting may not deliver greater weight loss results than traditional diets, according to a new review published in the Cochrane Library on February 16. Researchers analyzed 22 randomized clinical trials involving 1,995 adults across North America, Europe, China, Australia, and South America.
The study compared various fasting methods, including alternate-day fasting and time-restricted eating, with standard dietary advice such as the Mediterranean diet, as well as no intervention. On average, participants practicing intermittent fasting lost about 3% of their body weight; less than the 5% threshold doctors often consider clinically meaningful.
Lead author Luis Garegnani said the findings do not justify the “enthusiasm we see on social media.” Researchers also noted limited long-term data and called for broader studies before firm recommendations can be made.
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