Overweight and obese adults who followed a 4:3 intermittent fasting plan dropped more pounds in one year than those who counted calories.
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 Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Tennessee Knoxville, University of Rochester Medical Center, United States Air Force Academy
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