Effects of intermittent fasting combined with resistance training on body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the influence of intermittent fasting (IF) in combination with resistance training (RT) on body composition outcomes. Studies examining IF vs. non-IF diets in individuals performing RT, published up to February 2021, were identified through PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and SCOPUS databases. Eight studies, including 221 participants were analyzed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results indicated that IF had a significant effect on body mass (WMD = -2.08 kg; 95% CI: -3.04, -1.13), fat mass (WMD = -1.36 kg; 95% CI: -1.94, -0.78), body mass index (WMD = -0.52 kg/m²; 95% CI: -0.85, -0.19), and body fat percentage (WMD = -1.49%; 95% CI: -2.24, -0.74) relative to non-IF diets, without a significant effect for fat-free mass (WMD = -0.27 kg; 95% CI: -0.82, 0.28). The present systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates potentially beneficial effects of IF in combination with RT for reducing body mass and body fat relative to non-IF control diets, with similar preservation of fat-free mass.

Keywords: Body composition; Intermittent fasting; Meta-analysis; Resistance training; Weight loss.