Intermittent fasting may not be as effective for weight loss as previously thought, according to a new study by scientists at Johns Hopkins University.
For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern in which the individual alternates between fasting and eating.
The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggest that portion size plays a bigger role in weight loss than meal timing.
The study analyzed electronic health records of nearly 550 adults over six years and found that meal timing had no effect on weight change.
“While experimental studies have shown that time-restricted eating can improve circadian rhythms and play a role in metabolic regulation, our study did not find an association across a wide range of body weights,” said Wendy Bennett, Ph.D., senior author of the study. explain.
The study found that the number of large meals and Chinese meals was positively correlated with weight change, while the more times of small meals, the smaller the weight change.
The American Heart Association states that four in 10 adults in the United States are obese and recommends reducing overall calorie intake, eating healthy foods and increasing physical activity to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
The association did not explicitly favor frequent small meals or intermittent fasting, noting that irregular patterns of total calorie intake may be detrimental to weight maintenance and cardiovascular health.
The researchers called for further trials, including more diverse populations, to better understand the link between timing of eating and weight change.
The average age of study participants was 51 years, and 80 percent were white, well-educated, and female.
The authors note that their findings are observational and cannot prove direct cause and effect.
Intermittent fasting has become a popular dieting trend in recent years, seen as an easy and flexible way to lose weight and improve your health.
The concept of intermittent fasting involves restricting food intake to specific times of the day or days of the week with the goal of reducing overall calorie intake.
Proponents of intermittent fasting tout its benefits, including increased insulin sensitivity, improved metabolic health and better brain function. Despite its growing popularity, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of intermittent fasting and determine its safety and effectiveness as a weight loss and health improvement strategy.
Some of the widely believed benefits of intermittent fasting include weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and enhanced brain function. It is also thought to help improve metabolic markers such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
read more:
Is it safe for non-diabetics to use metformin for weight loss?UAE doctors weigh in
Doctors warn against using Saxenda and Ozempic ‘quick fix' diabetes shots for weight loss
Walking 5 minutes every half hour can offset health risks of sitting
