Impact of intermittent fasting on body weight in overweight and obese individuals

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2020 May 15;66(2):222-226. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.66.2.222.

Abstract

Objective: To verify the relationship of intermittent fasting in the bodyweight of overweight and obese individuals through a systematic literature review.

Methods: This is a systematic review based on randomized controlled trials. The articles were consulted in the databases: Science Direct, PubMed e BVS. This review was evaluated through the PRISMA recommendation.

Results: After the selection process, four articles were included in this review, comparing intermittent fasting (IF) with calorie restriction diet (CRD) as a control group. In 2 studies using similar protocols, there was no significant reduction in body weight of overweight or obese subjects. In the other two studies using different protocols, weight loss was significant in the IF group compared to the CRD group.

Conclusions: Results did not provide evidence of the effect of intermittent fasting on weight loss in overweight or obese individuals.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight / physiology*
  • Caloric Restriction / methods
  • Diet, Reducing / methods
  • Fasting / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Obesity / diet therapy*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Overweight / diet therapy*
  • Overweight / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Loss / physiology*