Intermittent Fasting vs GLP-1: New Research Shows Minimal Weight-Loss Benefit

# Intermittent fasting probably doesn’t help with weight loss Intermittent fasting appears to be no better than doing nothing at all when it comes to helping people who are overweight or have obesity lose weight. The diet has gained popularity as a weight-loss strategy and involves alternating between periods of fasting and normal eating. Common methods include the 16:8 diet, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window, and the 5:2 diet, where individuals eat normally for five days and restrict calories on two days. Research by Luis Garegnani at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires and colleagues analyzed data from 22 randomized-controlled studies involving nearly 2,000 adults across various regions, including North America, Europe, China, Australia, and South America. The participants, aged 18 to 80, were either overweight or had obesity. The study findings indicated no significant difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice. Furthermore, comparing intermittent fasting to doing nothing at all yielded similar results — it probably doesn’t lead to more weight loss. “Intermittent fasting just doesn’t seem to work for overweight or obese adults trying to lose weight,” Garegnani remarked. Despite inconsistencies across the trials, researchers found that the method was ineffective regardless of how it was categorized. Satchidananda Panda at the Salk Institute noted that many studies did not measure adherence to intermittent fasting. He emphasized, “If we don’t know whether participants actually followed the intervention, what, exactly, are we systematically reviewing?” The analysis focused solely on weight loss effects, leaving it unclear if intermittent fasting has other health impacts, both positive and negative. Some studies suggest potential risks, such as increased heart disease, while others indicate benefits like improved immunity and better gut and liver function. “Intermittent fasting is not a miracle solution,” Garegnani concluded. “[It] may be a useful option for some individuals, but it shouldn’t distract from broader, population-level strategies to prevent and manage obesity.” **Journal reference:** Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015610.pub2