The Claim

Alternate-day fasting causes significant short-term weight loss, with a mean reduction of 5.07 kg (95% confidence interval: 3.44–6.72 kg), in adults with overweight or obesity, based on high-certainty evidence from randomized controlled trials.

Source: Comparison of Different Intermittent Fasting Patterns or Different Extents of Calorie Restriction for Weight Loss and Metabolic Improvement in Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

What the research says

Supports is higher

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

Supports
57score
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

If you do alternate-day fasting, you’ll likely lose about 5 kilograms in the short term if you’re an adult with overweight or obesity.

See the scientific wording

Alternate-day fasting causes significant short-term weight loss (mean 5.07 kg, 95% CI 3.44–6.72) in adults with overweight or obesity, based on high-certainty evidence from randomized controlled trials.

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Comparison of Different Intermittent Fasting Patterns or Different Extents of Calorie Restriction for Weight Loss and Metabolic Improvement in Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

    The study looked at alternate-day fasting in people with overweight or obesity and found it led to an average weight loss of 5.07 kg, just like the claim says.

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.