A study has shown that intermittent fasting leads to an average weight loss of about 9%.

 

Researchers from Arizona State University and other joint research teams divided 41 overweight or obese adults into two groups and had them consume specific diets and meal patterns for 8 weeks. Both groups followed a calorie-restricted diet recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but one group also practiced intermittent fasting by limiting daily eating to 6-8 hours. Subsequently, the researchers examined participants' body weight, body composition, gut microbiota composition, and metabolic health status.

 

According to the research results, the group that followed the recommended diet by the Ministry of Agriculture and practiced intermittent fasting showed a significantly greater reduction in weight and fat mass compared to the group that only adhered to the diet. The intermittent fasting group experienced an average weight loss of approximately 8.81% from their original weight, while the diet-only group saw an average weight reduction of about 5.4%.

 

Participants who practiced intermittent fasting experienced a significant reduction in body fat, including visceral fat, leading to improved body composition. Additionally, the intermittent fasting group showed an increase in beneficial gut microbiota such as Christensenellaceae compared to the diet-only group.

Meanwhile, the recommended diet announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture consists of whole grains and vegetables. At least half of the grains should be whole grains, and dairy products should be low-fat. Protein should preferably come from chicken, eggs, or beans, and the added fats in foods are recommended to be plant-based. Additionally, the USDA's recommended diet includes guidelines to limit intake of high-fructose corn syrup, sodium, and alcohol.

 

Professor Karen Swigia of the University of Arizona College of Public Health, who led the research, explained, "Intermittent fasting creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria," adding, "Beneficial gut microbes are involved in fat accumulation, regulate blood sugar levels, and are associated with hormones that control hunger, making them closely linked to obesity and metabolic diseases."

 

However, some researchers, including those from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, have warned that intermittent fasting may increase the risk of causing cardiovascular diseases and other health issues. If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney stones, it is advisable to consult with medical professionals before practicing intermittent fasting.

This research result was published in the international journal 'Nature Communications' on the 28th of last month.

 

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Intermittent fasting: helpful or not helpful

There are many issues...

 

There is also the importance of a balanced diet.

 

Especially, I hear that visceral fat has decreased.

I think it would be necessary to take a look.