What Research Tells Us About Fasting For Weight Loss
A group of seven Canadian weight loss researchers, writing in the medical journal Canadian Family Physician, have shown the intermittent fasting is highly effective for weight loss.1 They reviewed 27 different studies done on how overweight and obese patients were affected by intermittent fasting (IF). The results are outstanding. As the study explains, “All 27 IF trials found weight loss of 0.8% to 13.0% of baseline weight with no serious adverse events.” This means intermittent fasting worked for overweight and obese people in every single study. No exceptions.
How Intermittent Fasting Works
The study outlines in detail how IF works. “There is recent interest in the use of fasting for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Intermittent fasting (IF) refers to regular periods with no or very limited caloric intake. It commonly consists of a daily fast for 16 hours, a 24-hour fast on alternate days, or a fast 2 days per week on non-consecutive days. During fasting, caloric consumption often ranges from zero to 25% of caloric needs. Various terms are used to describe regular intermittent calorie abstention, including intermittent fasting, alternate-day fasting, reduced meal frequency, and time-restricted feeding. Intermittent fasting can be used with unrestricted consumption when not fasting or in conjunction with other dietary interventions.”
Huge Benefits for People with Diabetes
The results for people with diabetes are promising as well. The study states, “The 5 studies that included patients with type 2 diabetes documented improved glycemic control.” Keeping blood sugar levels under control is crucial for the health and safety of people with diabetes, so if you have this condition, take note.
Make Sure to Learn About Fasting!
There are many resources online to get in touch with other people who do intermittent fasting. There is a thriving Reddit community about fasting. It’s important to get educated about the subject, as there are healthy ways to do it that can keep you safe. Get educated, and good luck with using intermittent fasting to lose weight!
- Welton, S. (2020, February 1). Intermittent fasting and weight loss: Systematic review. The College of Family Physicians of Canada. https://www.cfp.ca/content/66/2/117.full
