According to a new study, intermittent fasting is not any more effective at helping people lose weight than a standard diet that restricts calories.
The research, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, suggested that weight loss was identical for those who watched calories but ate whenever they pleased and those who consumed all of their calories within an eight-hour window.
In the study, 90 adults who were evaluated were randomly assigned to one of these three groups: eight-hour time-restricted eating from midday to 8pm only, calorie restriction with intake slashed by 25 per cent, or no change in calorie consumption with eating taking place over 10 hours or more throughout the day.
There were no definite dietary restrictions or calorie counting in the intermittent fasting group. A dietician routinely saw both groups.
After a year, time-restricted eating participants consumed 425 fewer calories per day and shed nearly 10 pounds more weight than the control group.
Compared to the control group, the calorie-restricted group dropped around 12 more pounds after a year and consumed 405 fewer calories daily.
Participants exhibited good levels of adherence to both strategies and didn't experience any negative side effects.
What is intermittent fasting?
Long stretches without eating is referred to as intermittent fasting and it is usually followed by a period of eating normally.
There are multiple forms of intermittent fasting, known as 5:2 diets, the 16:8 plan, 24-hour fast, and alternate-day fasting.
The most common plan 16:8 involves eating during an eight-hour window and fasting for 16 hours. This involves eating all you want from 10am to 6pm and only consuming liquids for the remaining time.
Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Mark Wahlberg, Beyoncé, and Nicole Kidman are rumoured to be lovers of the diet, which has gained popularity in recent years.
The time-restricted eating plan's proponents assert that it is simpler to follow than needing to meticulously monitor calories.
And recent studies suggest there are further health benefits for those who follow this regime.
However, lead dietitian at Cromwell Hospital Niamh Hennessy suggests there’s not enough evidence to show what would happen if you tried intermittent fasting for a long time and doesn’t recommend it to pregnant women, those with type 1 diabetes, have a history of disordered eating, and anyone with anxiety or depression.
