New research suggests intermittent fasting isn’t beneficial for weight loss, despite being a buzzy diet for years. Researchers monitored nearly 550 people’s portion sizes and eating patterns over six months in the Journal of the American health association study. They found no connection between weight and eating intervals.
Researchers looked at eating after people woke up, the length of their day, and how close food was to bedtime for possible associations with weight loss, but none were found. One thing that was linked with weight loss was eating smaller meals. They concluded that time-restricted eating does not work for weight loss in the general population.
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While the study did not examine intermittent fasting directly, Wendy Bennett, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine, says that eating windows were not associated with weight change over time.
Intermittent Fasting: Why Is It Hard To Lose Weight?
Intermittent fasting doesn’t mean people can’t lose weight. Although intermittent fasting diets have been found to work for some people, research has shown an eating plan isn’t always better than calorie restriction. Gina Keatley, a certified dietitian nutritionist, says intermittent fasting can put you in a calorie deficit. Still, after you lose muscle mass and your metabolism decreases, you have to try intermittent fasting harder to get results. I believe this is a losing game and, over time, seems doomed to fail.”
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How To Lose Weight The Right Way
Experts agree that eating healthy foods in a diet you can follow long-term is the best way to find the right eating plan. Instead of eliminating foods, Gans advises adding more satiating foods, such as those packed with fiber. The combination of fruits, veggies, and whole grains may fill you up and reduce your appetite for nonnutritious foods.