A recent study conducted by scientists from the University of Illinois Chicago has revealed that intermittent fasting is just as effective as calorie counting for weight loss. The researchers studied 77 obese adults, assigning them to one of three diet plans and observed the results over a six-month period.
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Participants in the first group practiced intermittent fasting, consuming all of their calories between noon and 8 pm each day. The second group had the option to eat whatever they desired but had to track their calorie intake and reduce it by 25% of their usual daily consumption. The third group, the control group, maintained their regular eating habits without any changes.
At the end of the six-month period, the researchers assessed the weight loss achieved by each group. The intermittent fasting group extended their eating window to 10 hours, while the calorie counting group reduced their calorie intake to meet their energy needs. The results showed that both diet groups managed to sustain their weight loss even after their diets had ended, with participants losing an average of 5% of their body weight over the course of the year.
Furthermore, the study found that the intermittent fasting group consumed an average of 425 fewer calories per day compared to the control group, resulting in an average weight loss of around 4 kg (10 lbs). The calorie-counting group consumed approximately 405 fewer calories per day and lost around 5 kg (12 lbs). This suggests that restricting food intake to a specific time window is equally effective for weight loss as calorie counting.
Krista Varady, one of the authors of the study, highlighted the findings, stating that people can achieve weight loss without the need for complex calorie counting diets. Instead, she suggests focusing on time rather than calorie counting. Counting the hours of the eating window can be a simpler and effective approach to weight management.
However, it is worth noting that an earlier study conducted on zebrafish suggested that intermittent fasting might have potential negative effects on fertility. The study examined the impact of fasting on sperm and egg quality in male and female zebrafish. While some negative effects were observed when the fish returned to their normal food consumption levels, further research is required to understand the duration for sperm and egg quality to fully recover after the fasting period.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into weight loss methods and offers an alternative approach to traditional calorie counting diets by emphasizing the benefits of intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating for managing weight effectively.
