A recent study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine showed that intermittent fasting may not lead to significant improvements in metabolic or cardiovascular health unless it is accompanied by an actual reduction in the amount of calories consumed.
The trial involved 31 overweight or obese women who were asked to follow intermittent fasting for two weeks. The first group was allowed to eat between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., while the second group ate between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m., with both groups maintaining similar nutritional and caloric content.
During the trial, blood samples were collected from the participants, and a glucose tolerance test was performed to assess carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The results showed no clinically significant changes in insulin sensitivity, blood glucose and lipid levels, or inflammation markers. No significant improvements in cardiovascular health were also recorded.
Professor Olga Ramich explained that "the benefits observed in previous studies of intermittent fasting may be due to an unintentional reduction in calorie intake, rather than the timing of meals," adding that those seeking to lose weight or improve metabolism should focus on the quality and quantity of food, not just the timing of meals.
