The Claim

Alternate day fasting reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol to a greater extent than time-restricted eating in adults with overweight or obesity.

Source: Intermittent fasting strategies and their effects on body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
53score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In adults with overweight or obesity, alternate day fasting lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol more than time-restricted eating.

See the scientific wording

Alternate day fasting reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol more than time-restricted eating in adults with overweight or obesity, but these differences are based on moderate-certainty evidence and may not be clinically meaningful.

Why this might work

When meals are skipped every other day, the liver stops making as much fat and starts breaking down more fat from the blood, which lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels more than eating only during certain hours each day.

Suggested mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Intermittent fasting strategies and their effects on body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

    The study found that skipping meals every other day slightly lowered bad cholesterol and fats more than eating only during certain hours each day — but the difference was tiny and might not actually improve heart health.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.