Can intermittent fasting help you lose weight?
Obesity affects two in five U.S. adults, contributing to nearly $173 billion in annual healthcare costs and increasing risks of chronic conditions.
A new study published in The BMJ, involving researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, analyzed the effectiveness of various intermittent fasting strategies.
The research found that alternate-day fasting, which involves fasting for a full day every other day, was the most effective form of intermittent fasting for weight management.
Alternate-day fasting led to 2.8 pounds greater weight loss compared to traditional calorie-restricted diets and improved cardiometabolic risk factors such as waist circumference and cholesterol levels.
Despite its benefits, the study noted that the observed weight loss did not meet the minimally important clinical threshold, and individuals should consult healthcare providers before adopting intermittent fasting.
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