From the Journals

Intermittent Fasting Shows No Edge Over Standard Diets

Cochrane review finds the approach produces similar weight loss and quality-of-life outcomes compared with conventional calorie restriction

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    22 trials with 1995 participants.

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    Intermittent fasting vs regular dietary advice yields −0.33% weight change.

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    Evidence certainty low due to bias.

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    Little difference in quality of life outcomes.

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    Adverse events slightly higher in modified fasting regimens.

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    High-income country studies report more adverse effects.

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    Challenges in participant satisfaction and comorbidity data present gaps.

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    No dedicated funding reported among studies.

Original Source(s)

Intermittent Fasting Shows No Edge Over Standard Diets

Cochrane review finds the approach produces similar weight loss and quality-of-life outcomes compared with conventional calorie restriction

  • by Kerri Miller

  • February 16, 2026

  • 3 min