You may have heard that intermittent fasting is a miracle weight loss solution. But, according to research, it isn’t more effective than simply reducing your daily calorie intake.
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that condenses your daily food intake into one time-restricted period, followed by a period of fasting. The 16:8 diet is one of the most popular methods. In this plan, the daily ‘eating window’ is reduced to eight hours, which means you fast for the remaining 16 hours.
Interest in intermittent fasting was fuelled by data from animal studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that suggested the diet could help reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, few studies on humans have found a sizable difference between fasting and simply reducing your calorie intake on weight loss.
However, if you are trying to lose weight, the National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends following a reduced-calorie diet, particularly if you are overweight or obese. Using healthy cooking methods like the best grill, the best steamer or one of the best air fryers, may help you find a more sustainable way to eat healthier in the long term.
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Is fasting better for weight loss?
A 2019 review, published in Nutrients reviewed weight loss studies that involved comparing intermittent fasting and calorie restriction. Overall, 9 out of 11 studies reviewed showed no differences between both groups in weight and body fat loss.
There may also be a potential downside to intermittent fasting. Researchers from the University of California designed a randomized control trial, that saw one group follow a time-restricted diet and others eat three meals a day. The researchers discovered people who engaged in time-restricted eating seemed to lose more muscle mass than the other group.
Physical activity should also be an integral part of weight-loss therapy. Initially, moderate levels of physical activity for 30 to 45 minutes, three to five days a week, with a long-term goal to get 30 minutes or more physical activity every day. Check out the best exercise machines to lose weight for ways to kickstart your fitness.
When it comes to dieting, some people thrive on an intermittent fasting plan, while others prefer to eat little and often. Know that the best diet for yourself is one that fits your own nutritional needs and training goals.
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