Archive · 19 Jun 2025
Intermittent Fasting Shows Weight Loss Benefits: New Study
Scientists looked at many studies about intermittent fasting, a diet where you eat during certain times and fast during others.
They found it works about as well as counting calories for losing weight.
Some types of fasting, like eating every other day, might help a little more.
Both methods led to small weight loss compared to eating whatever you want.
Eating this way also helped lower some cholesterol levels.
The best results were seen in shorter studies.
Experts say it's not a magic solution but could be part of a healthy eating plan, along with support.
Intermittent fasting shows similar weight loss to traditional calorie-restricted diets.
A review of 99 studies found that alternate-day fasting showed slightly greater benefits.
Intermittent fasting and calorie restriction both resulted in small weight reductions.
Alternate-day fasting reduced total and LDL cholesterol more effectively.
Longer trials (24+ weeks) showed benefits only when diets were compared to unrestricted eating.
- Who
- Researchers reviewed 99 clinical trials involving more than 6,500 adults.
- What
- A review comparing intermittent fasting and calorie restriction for weight loss.
- When
- Published in The BMJ, reviewing studies lasting from three to 52 weeks.
- Where
- Worldwide, with studies involving adults globally.
- Why
- To determine the effectiveness of intermittent fasting compared to traditional diets.
Potential Benefits
Uncertainties
Effectiveness
Potential Benefits
Intermittent fasting (alternate-day fasting) can be effective for weight loss and managing cholesterol.
Uncertainties
The evidence is not yet conclusive, and longer-term studies are needed to confirm lasting effects.
- Study Count
- 99
- Participants
- 6,500+
- Average BMI
- 31
- Fasting Types
- Time-restricted, alternate-day, whole-day
- Weight Loss (Alt-Day vs. CR)
- 1.29 kg
- Weight Loss (Alt-Day vs. Time-Restricted)
- 1.69 kg
- Weight Loss (Alt-Day vs. Whole-Day)
- 1.05 kg