AIMS: To provide an updated comprehensive evaluation of the quality and evidence association of existing studies on health outcomes related to intermittent fasting (IF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, covering literature up to June 2024. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews that include adult populations and quantitatively analyse health outcomes related to IF interventional studies are included. For evidence with complete data, we reanalyzed health evidence effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals using random-effects models. Article quality and the certainty of the evidence were graded using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2), Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system, and a standardized credibility grading system.
RESULTS: Twelve meta-analysis studies and 122 health outcome associations with IF were identified. High-quality evidence indicated significant associations between time-restricted eating (TRE) and weight loss, fat mass reduction, decreased fasting insulin and glycosylated haemoglobin levels in overweight or obese adults, as well as between the 5:2 diet and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moderate-to-low-quality evidence suggested associations between modified alternate-day fasting and improvements in body weight, lipid profile and blood pressure. Additionally, high-to-low-quality evidence showed that IF regimens effectively improved liver health in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
CONCLUSIONS: This umbrella review highlights IF, especially TRE, as a promising intervention for weight and metabolic health, particularly beneficial for overweight or obese adults. We also highlight the need for further extensive research to understand the long-term effects, individualized IF plans and potential adverse effects of IF in different populations.
| Discipline Area | Score |
|---|---|
| Public Health |  |
| Family Medicine (FM)/General Practice (GP) |  |
| General Internal Medicine-Primary Care(US) | |
| Endocrine | |
| Special Interest - Obesity -- Physician |  |
As a person who lost 110 lbs by this method long before intermittent fasting became popular, and who has kept all but 20lbs off for 20 years, I heartily endorse this review.
I am a family medicine physician who frequently sees people trying to lose weight. This study confirms that regulating the times of caloric intake may have benefits for weight loss via improvements in body composition.
As an FM specialist, these results are what I would have expected.
