Science of fasting
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There is limited evidence that intermittent fasting produces weight loss comparable to a calorie restricted diet. Most studies on intermittent fasting in humans have observed weight loss, ranging from 2.5% to 9.9%.
The reductions in body weight can be attributed to the loss of fat mass and some lean mass. For time restricted eating the ratio of weight loss is 3:1 for fat mass to lean mass, respectively. Alternate-day fasting does not affect lean body mass, although one review found a small decrease.
Alternate-day fasting improves cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers similarly to a calorie restriction diet in people who are overweight, obese or have a metabolic syndrome.As of 2021, it remains uncertain whether intermittent fasting could prevent cardiovascular disease.
A 2021 review found that intermittent fasting may help people lose more weight than regular eating patterns, but was not different from energy restriction diets.
Intermittent fasting has not been studied in children, elderly, or underweight people, and may be harmful in these populations. Intermittent fasting is not recommended for people who are not overweight, and the long-term sustainability of intermittent fasting is unknown as of 2018.
Other effects
Night-time eating is linked to impaired sleep quality.Intermittent fasting is not recommended to treat cancer in France, the United Kingdom,or the United States,although a few small-scale clinical studies suggest that it may reduce chemotherapy side effects. Periodic fasting may have a minor effect on chronic pain and mood disorders. In preliminary research, intermittent fasting has shown signs of reducing risk factors for certain disorders, including insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Intermittent fasting does not affect bone health.
