Scientists have found that while reducing calorie intake is widely considered a key approach to weight loss it may not be the most effective.
Dieting strategies have long intrigued scientists, but fast-growing obesity rates have given the topic newfound importance. Today, the condition affects one billion people worldwide.
New research suggests that people who fast three days a week lose 50 per cent more weight than those on regular reduced-calorie diets.
Victoria Catenacci, the research's co-lead author and an associate professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, said: "We think fasting three days a week might be a sort of sweet spot for weight loss.
Dieting strategies are a growing area of interest for scientists
GETTY"More fasting days per week may be too rigid and difficult to stick to, while fewer may not produce enough of a calorie deficit to outperform daily calorie restriction diets."
Intermittent faster in the study also shed 7.6 per cent of their body mass over one year compared to five per cent for individuals restricting their food intake.
The findings suggest that abstaining from food in a structured manner may be a more effective strategy for weight loss.
The study analysed 165 overweight or obese individuals and divided them into two groups based on dietary habits.
Participants who fasted three days a week referred to as the 4:3 group, reduced their energy intake by 80 per cent from baseline on fasting days.
On the remaining days, they did not restrict their calorie intake but did make healthy food choices.
Meanwhile, the reduced-calorie group aimed for a daily energy deficit of 34.3 per cent. Both groups were designed to achieve an equal overall energy deficit across the week.
Results showed intermittent fasters lost 1st 2lb (7.7kg) over the year compared to 10lb for individuals restricting their calories.
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Regular intake of olive oil and avocados may boost physical functionGETTY Scientists highlight that one of the appealing factors of the 4:3 diet pattern was that dieters did not need to focus on calorie counting. Unrestricted eating on eating days also makes the regime easier to follow.
This is not the first time research has highlighted a beneficial link between intermittent fasting and weight loss, but the dietary approach may not be appropriate for everyone.
It generally isn't recommended for people with a history of eating disorders like anorexia and orthorexia.
It can also cause sleep disruptions and hinder alertness, so it's advisable to talk to a doctor before trying more extreme dietary approaches like intermittent fasting.
