Intermittent Fasting Outperforms Daily Caloric Restriction in Study

Recent studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveal that the 4:3 intermittent fasting (IMF) plan leads to greater weight loss compared to daily calorie restriction (DCR). Over a year, participants on the IMF diet, which involves three days of calorie restriction and four days of free eating, lost an average of 7.6% body weight versus 5% in the DCR group. The study, led by Dr. Victoria Catenacci and colleagues, suggests that IMF may be easier to adhere to, as it only requires calorie counting on fasting days, potentially making it a more sustainable option for some people. These findings challenge previous research that found little difference between IMF and DCR. The study also highlighted improved cardiometabolic outcomes among IMF participants, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The IMF approach, also known as the 'military diet', is gaining popularity, including among celebrities, for its effectiveness and manageability.