Energy balance
Intermittent fasting (IF) produces a statistically significant greater reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to continuous energy restriction (ER), although the absolute difference in total body weight loss is not statistically significant.
If you are trying to lose weight, intermittent fasting may help you reduce your BMI slightly more than just counting calories every day, even if the scale doesn't move much faster. Try a 16:8 schedule (fast for 16 hours, eat within 8 hours) or alternate-day fasting. Be aware that you might feel dizzy, while those just cutting calories might get more headaches. The key is consistency with whichever method you choose.
Pooled analysis revealed that IF led to a more significant decrease in BMI than ER ((cid:1)0.44 [-0.88 to (cid:1)0.01]; p < 0.01). Additionally, IF resulted in a slightly greater, but statistically nonsignificant, decrease in weight... than ER.
Why this rating
The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 RCTs, but the included trials had a high risk of bias due to open-label designs.
Source
Evaluation of the effectiveness of intermittent fasting versus caloric restriction in weight loss and improving cardiometabolic health: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Samah Omar Ali Alfahl · Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences · 2025
DOI 10.1016/j.jtumed.2025.02.012
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