Adelaide Study Finds Intermittent Fasting Cuts 7 kg as Calorie Counting Also Matches Loss
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Jul 4
Adelaide Study Finds Intermittent Fasting Cuts 7 kg as Calorie Counting Also Matches Loss
1 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Jul 4
Summary
More than 200 adults with obesity lost about 7 kilograms after six months on either intermittent fasting or continuous calorie restriction, versus roughly 2 kilograms with standard dietary care.
The Adelaide University study found the two diets worked through different behavioral pathways: fasting participants reported less need to monitor overeating or count calories, while calorie-restriction participants relied more on deliberate intake control.
That stronger sense of control explained 15% of weight loss in the calorie-restriction group, suggesting intermittent fasting may feel less restrictive for people who struggle with conventional dieting.
The 18-month trial used three nonconsecutive fasting days a week—30% of energy needs eaten between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., followed by a 20-hour fast—and also reported improved depression and wellbeing.
Published in Clinical Nutrition, the findings point to more personalized weight-management strategies, especially for people who repeatedly lose and regain weight.