Overview
- Pooling 22 randomized trials, the review analyzed about 1,995 adults from North America, Europe, China, Australia and South America with follow-up periods of up to 12 months.
- Across alternate-day, periodic and time-restricted protocols, weight loss matched outcomes from conventional dietary advice or no intervention when total energy intake was similar.
- Inconsistent reporting of adverse events across studies prevented firm conclusions about the safety of intermittent fasting.
- Most trials were short and small and enrolled predominantly white participants in high-income countries, limiting how broadly the results apply.
- Lead author Luis Garegnani said fasting may suit some individuals, yet current evidence does not support the social-media enthusiasm and clinicians should individualize guidance.