A new study has found that people who practice intermittent fasting can lose an average of 3.5 kilograms of weight per month. This form of diet can also be used as a preventive measure for maintaining good health in people with normal weight. The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Graz, Austria, found no side effects during the long-term study. Intermittent fasting is a form of diet where people consume food only within a defined period of time. The most common form of intermittent fasting is the 16/8 method, where people fast for 16 hours and consume food within an 8-hour window.
The study conducted by the University of Graz focused on alternate-day fasting, where people consume only water, unsweetened tea, and vegetable broth for 36 hours and then consume all types of food without any restrictions for the next 12 hours. The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, involved 60 healthy adults who were divided into two groups. One group continued with their regular diet, while the other group followed the alternate-day fasting method. The study found that the alternate-day fasting group lost an average of 3.5 kilograms of weight within four weeks and reduced their calorie intake by 37%.
The study also found that alternate-day fasting positively affected other biological values that influence longevity and health. The participants showed a reduction in inflammation levels, cholesterol levels, and thyroid hormone levels, which are known to affect lifespan. The study also found that there were no long-term risks associated with alternate-day fasting, making it a safe and effective diet for people with obesity and as a preventive measure for maintaining good health in people with normal weight.
According to Harald Sourij, co-author of the study, the alternate-day fasting group compensated for some of the lost calories during the 12-hour eating window, but not all. The study emphasizes the benefits of alternate-day fasting and its potential as a long-term diet for maintaining good health.
