Intermittent Fasting in Weight Loss and Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Intermittent fasting is an effective approach to promote weight loss. The optimal model of intermittent fasting in achieving weight management and cardiometabolic risk reduction is an underexplored but important issue.

Purpose: This study was designed to examine the effects of alternate-day fasting (ADF) and 16/8 time-restricted fasting (16/8 TRF) on weight loss, blood glucose, and lipid profile in overweight and obese adults with prediabetes.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on a sample of 101 overweight and obese adults with prediabetes. The participants were randomized into the ADF group (n = 34), 16/8 TRF group (n = 33), and control group (n = 34). The intervention lasted for 3 weeks. Data on body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood glucose, and lipid profile were collected at baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at the 3-month follow-up.

Results: The reductions in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference in the ADF and 16/8 TRF groups were more significant than those in the control group across the study period (all ps < .05). Moreover, significant reductions on blood glucose and triglycerides were observed in the two intervention groups as well. Furthermore, the reductions in body weight and body mass index in the ADF group were more significant than those in the 16/8 TRF group (all ps < .001). However, differences on the changes in blood glucose, waist circumference, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between the two intervention groups were not significant.

Conclusions/implications for practice: The benefits of ADF and 16/8 TRF in promoting weight loss in overweight/obese adults with prediabetes were shown in this study. ADF was shown to have more-significant reduction effects on body weight and body mass index than 16/8 TRF. These findings indicate the potential benefit of integrating intermittent fasting regimens into normal dietary patterns to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this population.