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Health Line
a day ago
- Health
- Health Line
Intermittent Fasting May Be as Effective as Calorie Restriction for Weight Loss
Intermittent fasting resulted in similar weight loss as traditional calorie restriction, according to a new review. One form of intermittent fasting, known as whole-day fasting, did yield slightly more weight loss than caloric restriction. Experts say that the similar results across different diet protocols mean individuals trying to lose weight have more options available to suit their lifestyle. New research suggests that intermittent fasting is as effective as calorie-restricted diets for weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors. A systematic review of nearly 100 randomized clinical trials involving intermittent fasting (IF) and traditional calorie restriction (CR) found that both approaches yielded similar health benefits. The study, published on June 18 in The BMJ, found that IF and CR were equally effective. IF involves designated periods of eating and fasting and places less emphasis on what you eat than when you eat. By contrast, CR targets a specific daily calorie goal and allows any eating schedule. The analysis included several of the most common IF protocols, including: Alternate day fasting (ADF) alternates standard eating days with fasting days or very low calorie days. Time-restricted eating (TRE) restricts food intake to a daily window, typically 8 or 12 hours. Whole day fasting, also known as the 5:2 diet, involves two or three weekly fasting days. All forms of IF and traditional CR produced weight loss compared with no intervention at all — known as an ad libitum, or unrestricted, diet. Of the three primary IF methods, only alternate day fasting resulted in greater weight loss than CR. However, the authors note that longer trials are needed to substantiate their findings. 'This analysis suggests that all three approaches, for the most part, lead to similar weight losses. This is why many of us believe that the best approach to losing weight is finding an approach that matches your lifestyle and is something you can practice for the long term,' said David B. Sarwer, PhD, director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University and a spokesperson for the Obesity Society. Sarwer wasn't involved in the research. IF has grown rapidly in popularity over the past decade, but evidence of its health benefits — namely, weight loss and cardiometabolic measures, such as blood glucose — has been inconsistent compared with more traditional, calorie-restricted diets. Although proponents of IF may be disappointed by the latest findings, experts say that similar results across diets mean that people have more options to find a method that works best for them. No clear 'best' when it comes to diet protocols Researchers included 99 randomized clinical trials involving more than 6,500 adults in the systematic review. The average age of participants was 45, and two-thirds were women. A small percentage was considered healthy, but the vast majority (about 90%) had existing health conditions, including overweight, obesity, and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Participants' average BMI was 31, meeting the standard clinical definition of obesity, which is a body mass index (BMI of 30 or higher. Trials ranged between 3 and 52 weeks — with an average of 12 weeks — and varied in quality. The review found that both IF and CR led to small reductions in body weight compared to an unrestricted diet. Among the different IF protocols, only ADF resulted in slightly more weight loss (nearly three pounds) than CR. Sarwer pointed out that while this may be statistically significant, such additional weight loss would be trivial in improving weight-related health issues. ADF also slightly outperformed both TRE and whole-day fasting in terms of weight loss, but these findings were not deemed significant. ADF also resulted in slight improvements to total and LDL cholesterol compared to time-restricted eating. 'There is no compelling evidence that there is a 'best' diet for weight loss,' said Sarwer. 'Rather, the 'best' approach is one where the person can make small, yet impactful changes to their food choices, eating behaviors, and level of physical activity that cause minimal disruption to their lifestyle and that they can maintain for the long term,' he said. Who benefits from intermittent fasting? Though IF is touted as the diet du jour, there isn't enough compelling evidence to support it yet. Nonetheless, it has been linked to an array of health benefits, including: weight loss improved insulin resistance reduced inflammation brain health The key question, though, is not whether IF is beneficial compared to an unrestricted diet, but whether it's better than CR. That's where things are a little unclear. A 2024 review found that IF and CR were both associated with weight loss and equally effective across cardiometabolic, cancer, and neurocognitive outcomes. However, they noted that IF studies reported greater adherence, meaning people were better able to stick to them for the trial duration. A slightly older study published in NEJM in 2022 also concluded that among people with obesity, TRE wasn't more beneficial than CR. On the other hand, in a clinical trial funded by the NIH, the results of which were published in April 2025, participants who did a variation of whole-day fasting (a 4:3 schedule rather than the more common 5:2) lost 50% more weight than CR (7.6% vs 5% body weight) after one year. The additional weight loss also translated into cardiometabolic improvements, such as blood pressure, total cholesterol, and A1C. Another trial, published in May 2025, found that just three months of TRE led to long-term weight loss, even after participants stopped the protocol. CR isn't perfect either. Though it's long been a standard dietary intervention, it can be harmful, leading to fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and even depression. For now, experts agree that the right diet solution comes down to the individual. The best diet for you is the one you can stick to. 'Fasting diets are easier to follow because the rules are fairly simple vs trying to start a Mediterranean diet, for example. Some patients who may particularly benefit from a time-restricted diet, for example, are individuals who tend to snack a lot at night,' said Sun Kim, MD, an associate professor of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism at Stanford Medicine who wasn't involved in the research. She also cautions that individuals with diabetes who take insulin should be careful with fasting diets, as they may necessitate adjustments to insulin dosage and scheduling. You should also be cautious with intermittent fasting if you: are over age 65 have a history of disordered eating have low blood pressure are pregnant or nursing Adherence is key to long-term weight loss One final notable finding of the study was that adherence rates dropped precipitously the longer trials went on. Studies shorter than 24 weeks had high adherence, above 80%, while trials longer than 52 weeks typically reported poor adherence. In one trial involving whole-day fasting, adherence crashed from 74% at six weeks to just 22% at 52 weeks. These findings reinforce the idea that diet protocols should not be viewed as 'one size fits all' but rather as tailored to each individual's lifestyle. 'I wish there was an easy solution to weight loss. In our society, there are many forces that push individuals toward weight gain. I always discuss with patients about finding a lifestyle change that they can sustain for the long haul,' said Kim. According to Sarwer, small, sustainable changes are key. 'I'm more likely to suggest that people reduce the number of days a week that they eat ice cream, or reduce the portion size they eat, than to recommend that they stop eating ice cream all together,' he said.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Revealed: Experts discover trendy diet loved by millions no better than other weight loss plans
Intermittent fasting—a trendy eating pattern beloved by celebrities and A-listers—is no better than regular dieting, a major review has suggested. Hollywood stars like Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz and Mark Wahlberg have jumped on the trend since it shot to prominence in the early 2010s. It sees dieters cram all their meals into a strict daily time window, or in extreme examples, skip some entirely. But now, in a major review of data on the diet, a team of international researchers found the benefits from fasting were essentially 'trivial' compared to normal dieting. Neither eating meals in a specific time window—like in an eight hour period—or doing fasting for five days of the week and then eating normally for two were found to be any better for losing weight. In fact, alternate day fasting—where people fast for 24 hours on alternate days—was only found to help people lose more weight, with dieters slimming down 2.84lbs (1.29kg) more, on average. However, this difference didn't meet what the researchers said was the minimum clinical threshold of 4.4lbs (2kg). But they did say this type of intermittent fasting was found to lower cholesterol levels. Time restricted fasting, which involves a 16 hour fast followed by an eight-hour eating window, was found to slightly increase cholesterol levels. No benefit was found for blood sugar levels or 'good' cholesterol levels in any of the fasting diet strategies. In the study, researchers analysed the results of 99 randomised clinical trials involving 6,582 adults, aged 45 on average, to compare intermittent fasting with calorie reducing diets. Writing in the BMJ, the scientists said while their data suggested intermittent fasting was better for losing weight than not dieting at all, it didn't stand out compared to a basic calorie-counting diet. 'Minor differences were noted between some intermittent fasting diets and continuous energy restriction, with some benefit for an alternate day fasting strategy with weight loss in shorter duration trials,' they added. 'All intermittent fasting strategies and continuous energy restriction diets showed a reduction in body weight when compared with an ad-libitum diet (allowing yourself to eat at any time). 'Of three intermittent fasting diets alternate day fasting showed benefit in body weight reduction compared with continuous energy restriction.' Independent experts, not involved in the research, said the findings were unsurprising. Professor Naveed Sattar, an expert in cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, said: 'Overall, the results do not surprise as there is nothing magical about intermittent fasting for weight loss—beyond being another way for people to lower their calorie intake. 'Whether it is sustainable over the longer term is worth examining. 'For those who need to lose much more weight, other options are now clearly available.' Meanwhile, Dr Amanda Avery, an expert in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Nottingham, added: 'The pros and cons of intermittent fasting have been debated for some time now. 'This review can hopefully end the debate with the conclusion that if someone chooses intermittent fasting and overall a nutritionally balanced diet is still achieved, then it could be used as one of the options to support weight loss.' Experts have long been divided over the effectiveness of intermittent fasting as well as its potential long term health impacts. Some have even warned that it may raise the risk of strokes, heart attacks or early death. One study earlier this year also suggested intermittent fasting could trigger type two diabetes. Around two in three adults in the UK are obese or overweight, giving the country one of the highest obesity rates in Europe. Obesity itself increases the chances of person suffering serious health conditions that can damage the heart, such as high blood pressure. Last year, a sobering report also suggested Britain's spiralling obesity levels have fuelled a staggering 39 per cent rise in type 2 diabetes among people under 40, with 168,000 Brits now living with the illness. Piling on the pounds has also been linked to at least 13 types of cancer and is the second biggest cause of the disease in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK.
Fox News
15-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Intermittent fasting's surprising biblical roots revealed as diet trend grows
A popular diet trend may have its origins in the Bible. Intermittent fasting, a pattern of eating based on time limits, is intended to assist with weight loss and other health benefits, according to Mayo Clinic. There are several types of intermittent fasting, but they all follow the same concept of alternating between fasting and eating — a practice that is often mentioned in biblical scripture. With a time-restricted approach to intermittent fasting, the dieter only eats during a certain window. For example, with the 16/8 method, the person fasts for 16 hours and then can eat within an eight-hour span, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Other versions involve fasting for a full 24 hours once or twice per week — or only consuming limited calories on fasting days. "The idea is that intermittent fasting causes the body's cells to change how they work," states Mayo Clinic's website. "Timed eating may push cells to focus on repair, energy use and balancing body-wide functions." Religious fasting is practiced in many faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism, as well as Hinduism, Judaism and Taoism, research shows. Around 21% of Americans report that they fast for certain periods of time for religious reasons, according to a 2024 survey from the Pew Research Center. Some view intermittent fasting as a modern-day form of biblical fasting. Fasting is mentioned in the Bible as a way to be closer to God. In Matthew 6:16-18, for example, Jesus instructs his followers on how to fast. "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Specifically, when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face. So, that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Fasting is also mentioned in Joel 2:12, when the Lord declares, "Yet even now, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." Various religions teach that fasting improves self-control, increases spiritual awareness and even fosters empathy for the less fortunate, according to Pew. While religious fasting is for spiritual purposes, intermittent fasting may also have physical and mental benefits that go beyond the primary goal of weight loss. Studies have shown that the practice may have positive impacts on blood pressure, cardiovascular health, cognitive function and other health factors — but the long-term effects aren't as clear. Fasting is mentioned in the Bible as a way to be closer to God. "When changes occur with this metabolic switch, it affects the body and brain," Johns Hopkins neuroscientist Mark Mattson, who has studied intermittent fasting for 25 years, states on the hospital's website. Mattson's research has confirmed multiple health benefits associated with fasting, including greater longevity, a leaner physique and a sharper mind. "Many things happen during intermittent fasting that can protect organs against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, age-related neurodegenerative disorders, even inflammatory bowel disease and many cancers," he said. However, Fox News Digital previously reported on a 2024 study that linked time-restricted eating to a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular death. "Intermittent fasting is not appropriate for people with a history of disordered eating or active eating disorders, those with hypoglycemia or type 1 diabetes on insulin, children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and more," New Jersey-based registered dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus told Fox News Digital at the time. Ohio-based cardiologist Dr. Lou Vadlamani was not involved in the study, but told Fox News Digital that it would be "a stretch" to conclusively say that fasting has a direct impact on heart attack risk. "It certainly raises a lot of questions and supports the need for a more comprehensive study, since intermittent fasting has become so common," he said. For more Health articles, visit As with every major lifestyle change, it's important to check with a doctor before starting intermittent fasting, experts advise.
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ricki Lake looks thinner-than-ever amid drastic weight loss… after hitting back at Ozempic allegations
Ricki Lake looked thinner than ever in slimming, all-black attire as she headed inside the Bravo Clubhouse in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood on Wednesday. In January, the 56-year-old Daytime Emmy winner announced she reached her 130lb goal weight after dropping 40lbs off her 5ft3in frame in less than two years without the help from a trendy GLP-1 agonist drug. 'I did not go on any drug because I wasn't prediabetic,' Ricki explained to Us Weekly. 'There's nothing wrong with those drugs. They're actually game changers for so many people. But for me, I did not want to be reliant on a drug if I could help it.' Celebrities who've admitted to taking the trendy injectables include Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, Kelly Clarkson, Whoopi Goldberg, Meghan Trainor, Elon Musk, Rebel Wilson, Chelsea Handler, Amy Schumer, Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, Lauren Manzo, Dolores Catania, and Golnesa 'GG' Gharachedaghi. But for every celebrity who admits to hopping aboard the Ozempic train, there are many more who've remained suspiciously silent while slimming including Lizzo, Mindy Kaling, Melissa McCarthy, Khloe Kardashian, Lana Del Rey, Christina Aguilera, and Patricia Arquette. The FDA has only approved three GLP-1 drugs specifically for weight loss - the semaglutide Wegovy, the liraglutide Saxenda, and the tirzepatide Zepboun - and the rest are specifically for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Lake whittled down her size-four figure with a strict keto diet, intermittent fasting, Pilates classes, and two-mile daily hikes while wearing a weighted vest. 'I wore a glucose monitor,' the New York native continued. 'I wore my Oura ring [which tracks health data]. I prioritized sleep and overall, a low-stress lifestyle. And it worked. It continues to work.' Ricki - who once topped the scales at 260lbs - previously struggled with her weight and yo-yo dieting for decades. Lake was joined at the Bravo Clubhouse by And Just Like That producer-star Cynthia Nixon. Both ladies are scheduled to appear on the ironically-titled Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen airing this Thursday, which marks Ricki's seventh time appearing on the boozy Bravo talk show. On June 18, Lake will celebrate the 24th birthday of her son Owen, and she also mothered 28-year-old son Milo during her nine-year marriage to first ex-husband, illustrator Rob Sussman, which ended in 2004. On January 8, the Independent Spirit Award nominee and her third husband Ross Burningham lost their $5M Malibu home in the Palisades wildfire, and they've since moved to New York City. 2025 vs. 2023: In January, the 56-year-old Daytime Emmy winner announced she reached her 130lb goal weight after dropping 40lbs off her 5ft3in frame in less than two years without the help from a trendy GLP-1 agonist drug Ricki explained to Us Weekly: 'I did not go on any drug because I wasn't prediabetic. There's nothing wrong with those drugs. They're actually game changers for so many people. But for me, I did not want to be reliant on a drug if I could help it' Both ladies are scheduled to appear on the ironically-titled Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen airing this Thursday, which marks Ricki's seventh time appearing on the boozy Bravo talk show Ricki is perhaps best known for hosting her very own syndicated, daytime talk show from 1993-2004. But Lake got her big break in 1988 portraying drag queen Divine's 'pleasantly plump' onscreen daughter Tracy Turnblad in John Waters' racially-charged dance comedy Hairspray. The Stone Road Farms collaborator went on to act in the 79-year-old raunchy director's films Cry Baby (1990) and Serial Mom (1994) as well as Adam Shankman's 2007 musical remake of Hairspray and NBC's Hairspray Live! in 2016.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nutritionists Are Warning That This Very Popular Food Habit Might Actually Be An Eating Disorder In Disguise
Spend more than 30 seconds on TikTok, and you'll hear fitness influencers sing the praises of intermittent fasting. This eating plan is touted as a 'lifestyle change' rather than a diet, where people consume calories on a 16:8 plan (fast for 16 hours; eat normally for eight hours), a 5:2 plan (eat normally for five days; fast for two days) or another variation. The purported benefits of intermittent fasting are numerous: It can curb late-night eating, reduce inflammation, lower your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, improve gut health and, of course, lead to weight loss. But for folks who may be affected by disordered eating, intermittent fasting could lead down a slippery slope. An estimated 9% of the U.S. — or about 28.8 million people — will have an eating disorder in their lifetimes. While eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia must meet specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, disordered eating can apply to anyone with body image issues, dieting and/or psychological distress around food. People with disordered eating behaviors might hide in plain sight behind popular diets and wellness trends like intermittent fasting, which provides the perfect cover for restrictive eating. It's A Socially Acceptable Disguise Most people would be concerned to hear a friend say they were starving themselves, but no one bats an eye with intermittent fasting. 'Intermittent fasting can sometimes serve as a socially acceptable disguise for disordered eating behaviors,' said registered dietitian nutritionist Becky Mehr, director of outpatient nutrition at The Renfrew Center, a network of eating disorder treatment facilities. 'While it is often marketed as a tool for weight loss, improving metabolic health or simplifying eating patterns, it can become problematic — especially for those with a history of eating disorders,' she said. Mehr explained that because scheduled fasting requires skipping meals and ignoring hunger cues, it'll hide your disordered eating without raising concern. In fact, it could promote the opposite: praise for weight loss or 'perceived discipline' that could reinforce harmful behaviors. Mehr adds, 'Our bodies are not machines or calculators — they don't thrive on rigid calorie restrictions or time-bound nourishment.' Is It Worth the Risk? Related: People Are Revealing The Homemade Food Items That Cost Less And Taste Better Than Store-Bought, And I'm Taking Copious Notes Dr. Anne Marie O'Melia, chief clinical and quality officer at the Eating Recovery Center, told HuffPost, 'For individuals who are genetically and environmentally vulnerable to developing eating disorders, any form of caloric restriction or adherence to rigid food rules — including intermittent fasting — significantly increases their risk.' In fact, recent research has shown that many young women who participated in intermittent fasting had traits of eating disorder behaviors such as overeating, binge eating, vomiting, laxative use, compulsive exercise and fasting. 'We know that dieting and restriction are the number one predictors of eating disorder onset, particularly in adolescents and young adults,' O'Melia explained. 'The promise of short-term benefits like weight loss or metabolic changes pales in comparison to the real and devastating risks: Eating disorders have significant psychiatric and medical consequences, and the highest mortality rate among mental illnesses.' Intermittent fasting 'may seem harmless or even beneficial at first, but for too many people, it is a gateway into long-term, life-threatening struggles with food and body,' she added. Bottom line: The potential benefits of intermittent fasting do not outweigh the risks of developing or worsening an eating disorder. Look At Your Mindset Related: If Your Fruit And Vegetable Knowledge Is Actually Good, Prove It By Getting 22/27 Of These Questions Right So how do you know if it's safe to try intermittent fasting? Our experts shared that it's all in your head — or, more specifically, in your mindset. 'The key difference lies in mindset, intent and impact on daily life,' Mehr said. If you are able to do intermittent fasting without obsessive thoughts about food or body image, and without rigid food rules that impair your daily functioning, then it might be OK. For everyone else, it can quickly spiral into disordered eating. This might look like 'experiencing intense anxiety about breaking 'rules,' obsessing over food, feeling shame about eating, avoiding social events involving food or using fasting as a way to control weight at all costs,' according to O'Melia. 'No one sets out thinking, 'I want to develop an eating disorder,' but for individuals with certain genetic, psychological and environmental risk factors, seemingly healthy choices can inadvertently lead to dangerous patterns,' O'Melia said. Signs intermittent fasting is triggering disordered eating include: Compensatory behaviors, like excessive exercise or purging. Avoiding social meals that don't fall in your eating window. Increasing preoccupation with food, body image or weight. Low energy, mood disturbances, sleep issues or trouble concentrating. Only eating 'safe' or 'healthy' foods. Eating in isolation; secrecy or hiding of eating behaviors. Binge eating symptoms, feeling of loss of control when eating. Feeling anxiety, guilt or shame if you eat outside your 'allowed' window. Experiencing medical issues such as fainting, amenorrhea, GI distress, or fatigue, dizziness, weakness, irritability or obsessional thinking about food. Negative or emotionally reactive responses to expressions of concern about changes in behavior. Any additional or increasing behaviors that can be associated with eating disorders, such as laxative use, changes in exercise patterns, developing food rules about the types of food eaten rather than just the times that food is eaten. If fasting starts to feel like an obligation instead of a choice — or affects your ability to enjoy life — it may be time to reevaluate. 'It's critical to remember that the human body is incredibly complex — and it thrives when treated with compassion, not punishment,' O'Melia said. Who Shouldn't Do Intermittent Fasting? 'Most people' should not do intermittent fasting, Mehr said, and 'especially those with a history of eating disorders, mental health struggles or nutrient deficiencies.' O'Melia added, 'Anyone with a personal history or a significant family history of an eating disorder, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, significant anxiety or depression, trauma history, or compulsive exercise patterns should avoid intermittent fasting.' If you have a fragile relationship with food and could be affected by self-imposed rules or restrictions around when you can eat, then intermittent fasting is not for you. 'Our bodies are designed to let us know when they need fuel,' Mehr explained. 'Ignoring those cues can lead to preoccupation with food, disrupted metabolism and emotional distress. [Intermittent fasting] is like telling someone to only use the bathroom during certain hours — it creates fixation, not freedom.' Our experts agreed that no one should do intermittent fasting without close guidance by their medical provider. Try This Instead Our experts were quick to slam any structured diet or food group restriction (other than for allergies). 'Eating should be a source of nourishment and pleasure, not a battleground,' O'Melia explained. 'I encourage patients to focus on balanced meals, variety, satisfaction and listening to their bodies.' Both experts recommend intuitive eating that listens to hunger and fullness cues. This includes eating a wide variety of foods without guilt (yes, desserts too!); respecting body diversity; participating in joyful movement; managing your stress and getting enough sleep; and centering mental, emotional and social health alongside physical health. And be gentle with yourself when unlearning toxic diet culture ideals. 'Food is not just fuel; it's joy, connection, culture and comfort,' Mehr said. 'A healthy eating pattern respects both your body's needs and your lived experience.' 'Instead of listening to external rules, we should be learning to trust our bodies,' Mehr added. 'All bodies are different. All bodies are valuable. And food should never be a source of shame or punishment.' If you're struggling with an eating disorder, call or text 988 or chat for article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Food: I'm Not Calling You Uncultured, But If You Can't Pass This International Food Also in Food: People Are Sharing The "Unneccessary" Cooking Rules They Stopped Following Ages Ago Also in Food: If You Can't Name At Least 10 Of These Fruits, You've Got The Taste Buds Of A Toddler
