Study Finds Intermittent Fasting Equates to Traditional Diets in Promoting Weight Loss and Improving Heart Health

A comprehensive review led by researchers from the University of Toronto has demonstrated that intermittent fasting is just as effective as conventional calorie-restricted diets for weight loss. Published in The BMJ on July 10, 2025, the study examined results from 99 randomized clinical trials involving over 6,500 participants, comparing various intermittent fasting methods such as alternate-day fasting, time-restricted eating, and full-day fasting.

Intermittent fasting has gained widespread popularity over the past decade, with many adopting it for health and weight management. This review revealed that participants following intermittent fasting protocols experienced similar, if not slightly better, weight loss—averaging between 1.7 to 2.5 kg—compared to those on traditional calorie-restriction diets. Notably, alternate-day fasting offered the most significant short-term benefits, with participants losing approximately 1.3 kg more than those on calorie-restrictive diets.

Beyond weight loss, the study highlighted improvements in cardiometabolic health among individuals practicing intermittent fasting. These included reductions in blood pressure, waist circumference, and levels of cholesterol and triglycerides—factors linked to a decreased risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Researchers emphasized that the different fasting strategies provided comparable results over the long term, giving individuals the flexibility to choose an approach that suits their lifestyle. "These strategies perform similarly," explains lead researcher Zhila Semnani-Azad, now a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "This allows for personalized interventions to enhance adherence and long-term success."

In an era where appetite-suppressing medications like Ozempic are becoming popular, this evidence supports the viability of behavioral dietary strategies for weight management without medication. Professor John Sievenpiper advocates for individualized treatment plans, noting that the findings enable a tailored approach based on personal preferences and lifestyle.

Overall, the evidence underscores intermittent fasting as an effective, flexible option for weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction, emphasizing the importance of choosing sustainable dietary strategies for long-term health benefits.

Source: Medical Xpress