A stricter form of intermittent fasting where you eat very little every other day leads to more weight loss than cutting calories daily, but we only have early evidence from a couple of small studies.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Definitively test whether modified ADF causes greater weight loss than CCR.
A double-blind RCT with 400+ adults aged 30–60 with BMI ≥25, randomized to modified ADF (75% energy restriction on fast days) vs 500 kcal/day CCR for 6 months, with body weight measured weekly, adherence monitored via food diaries and biomarkers, and intention-to-treat analysis.
Provide the most reliable estimate of the effect size across all available trials of modified ADF vs CCR.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of all RCTs specifically comparing modified ADF (≥70% energy restriction on fast days) vs CCR (500–750 kcal deficit) in adults with BMI ≥25, with ≥3 trials required for pooled analysis, assessing body weight change at 6 and 12 months.
Assess real-world effectiveness and adherence to modified ADF vs CCR.
A 2-year prospective cohort study of 1,000 adults with obesity starting modified ADF or CCR, with quarterly weight measurements, dietary adherence tracking via mobile apps, and adjustment for physical activity, motivation, and support systems.