Overweight and obese adults who followed a 4:3 intermittent fasting plan dropped more pounds in one year than those who counted calories.
Intermittent fasting leads to greater weight loss than counting calories, according to a new study.
Researchers say the difference is modest, but there are other potential health benefits.
165 overweight or obese adults were randomly assigned to a 4:3 intermittent fasting plan or daily calorie limit.
In the fasting group, participants restricted their eating on 3 nonconsecutive days per week. The goal was to cut their energy intake by about 80%.
Those in the calorie restriction group were asked to reduce their daily calorie intake by about a third.
All the participants were encouraged to exercise for at least 300 minutes per week…and received counseling from a registered dietitian.
After a year, people who followed 4:3 intermittent fasting lost just under 8% of their body weight, compared to 5% among the calorie counters.
Participants in the fasting group also experienced greater improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar numbers.
Sticking to a calorie-restricted diet long-term is challenging for many people.
The study authors say, “… the periodic nature of fasting may mitigate the constant hunger associated with [daily calorie restriction].”
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
Author Affiliations: University of Colorado School of Medicinem, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, University of, Tennessee Knoxville, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States Air Force Academy
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