A large-scale scientific review shows that intermittent fasting is no more effective for weight loss than traditional diets. Furthermore, according to the study, its effectiveness is sometimes minimal even compared to cases where individuals do not follow a diet at all.
Scientists analyzed data from 22 global studies involving 1,995 adults from Europe, North America, China, Australia, and South America. The research covered various forms of intermittent fasting, including the popular “5:2” diet.
According to the key findings, participants practicing intermittent fasting lost only 3% of their body mass, which researchers explain is significantly lower than the clinically significant 5% threshold. The study also showed that overweight individuals achieved exactly the same results by following traditional dietary recommendations. Additionally, scientists found no solid evidence that this eating method improves quality of life compared to other diets.
Specialists explain that animal trials show potential benefits of intermittent fasting, such as improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and the activation of autophagy. However, in humans, the results are often inconsistent. It is believed that short-term fasting (up to 2 days) has a minimal impact on the body, as significant changes in blood proteins only begin after 3 days of complete fasting. Moreover, under this regimen, people tend to become less physically active, further slowing the weight loss process.
Despite the fact that intermittent fasting enjoys great popularity as a diet in the media and on social networks, scientific evidence regarding its exceptional effectiveness remains scarce.
