Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials
Abstract
Intermittent fasting (IF), an alternative calorie restriction strategy, supports weight management and may enhance cardiovascular health, improve glycemic control, and offer potential protective effects against cancer, alongside other possible health benefits. The objective of this systematic review is to study the impact of intermittent fasting on weight loss among overweight and obese adults. The original research articles were searched in four electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, with specific time frame restrictions. After going through an organized process of screening and eligibility, 26 out of 2307 studies fitting the inclusion criteria were identified. The established methodological procedure observed in this review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines to ensure transparency and credibility in the approach. All the included studies demonstrated statistically significant reductions in body weight resulting from intermittent fasting interventions over durations ranging from 3 to 50 weeks. However, several trials exhibited comparable effectiveness between intermittent fasting and continuous calorie restriction. The findings suggest that intermittent fasting is an effective approach for weight loss, contributing to favorable changes in body composition, including a decrease in fat mass, an improvement in lean mass, and a reduction in waist circumference.…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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