BMJ Study Finds Alternate-Day Fasting Yields Greater Weight Loss Than Daily Calorie Restriction

Recent research published in The BMJ and analyzed across multiple studies confirms that intermittent fasting, particularly alternate-day fasting, is an effective strategy for weight loss, slightly outperforming continuous calorie restriction diets. This method involves fasting every other day and has gained popularity alongside other intermittent fasting approaches like time-restricted eating and whole-day fasting. The studies reviewed, which included over 6,500 participants mostly with pre-existing health conditions, showed that alternate-day fasting leads to a modest additional weight loss of around 1.29 kg compared to daily calorie restriction, though the difference is considered minor. Experts emphasize that all calorie reduction strategies, including intermittent fasting, produce proportional weight loss but note concerns about the long-term sustainability of these diets and the lack of significant impact on cardiovascular risk markers. Given the global obesity epidemic highlighted by WHO statistics, such dietary interventions hold promise but require longer-term studies to assess maintenance of weight loss and effects on major diseases. Overall, the scientific consensus suggests that reducing calorie intake—whether through intermittent fasting or traditional dieting—is key to weight loss, with alternate-day fasting offering a slight advantage in shorter trials.