In a weight management program, adults following a 4:3 intermittent fasting schedule were less likely to drop out after 12 months than those following a daily calorie-restricted diet.

Among adults with overweight or obesity who received behavioral support, those following a 4:3 intermittent fasting schedule reduced their calorie intake more over 12 months than those following a daily calorie restriction plan, with average reductions of 9.75% versus 5.64%.

Among adults with overweight or obesity who received behavioral support, those who followed a 4:3 intermittent fasting schedule showed the same increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity over 12 months as those who did not follow this eating pattern.

People who try intermittent fasting tend to lose a little more weight than those who just cut calories continuously, according to several studies.

In a 12-month weight loss program for adults with overweight or obesity, a pattern of eating that involves severe calorie restriction on three nonconsecutive days per week led to slightly more weight loss and a higher rate of achieving at least 5% weight loss compared to daily moderate calorie restriction.

People tend to stick with intermittent fasting better than regular calorie counting over the long term, with fewer dropping out of studies, suggesting it might be easier to keep up with.