The Study
Impact of Intermittent Fasting and/or Caloric Restriction on Aging-Related Outcomes in Adults: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
This study is like a big summary of many science experiments (called RCTs) where people were randomly put into different diet groups. It shows that intermittent fasting and calorie restriction probably help people lose weight and improve health, but it doesn’t combine the numbers from all studies to give one strong answer.
Analysis score
Maximum 100 for a systematic review.
Where the score came from
This study looked at two ways people try to get healthier: eating less all the time (calorie restriction) or skipping food for certain times (intermittent fasting).
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 526 / 100
Quality score
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies. They sit above a single cohort study but below a single randomized trial, because the underlying evidence is still observational.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes, this matters because sticking to a diet is hard, and if one method is easier and works just as well, it might be better for most people.
- 2Both methods helped people lose weight and improved their health.
- 3Intermittent fasting was easier for people to stick with over time.
- 4People dropped out less often from fasting studies.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Nutrients
Year
2024
Authors
Dara L. James, Nanako A Hawley, A. Mohr, Janice Hermer, Edward Ofori, Fang Yu, D. Sears
Related Content
Claims (7)
Some people find it easier to stick to time-restricted eating — like only eating during an 8-hour window — than to cutting calories every day.
The main reason intermittent fasting might be better than cutting calories all the time is that people find it easier to stick with, not because it boosts metabolism more.
Both skipping meals now and then (intermittent fasting) and eating fewer calories can help overweight adults lose weight and body fat over several months, according to several studies.
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.
Going without food on certain days works just as well as eating fewer calories every day to help your body respond better to insulin, especially if you're overweight or have early signs of diabetes.
Cutting calories might help overweight women after menopause remember things better and boost brain areas tied to thinking, according to a 4-month diet study.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.