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Intermittent fasting for adults with obesity – effects on health

In recent years, interest in new forms of nutrition has steadily increased, including intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is a form of nutrition in which you alternate between eating and fasting. There are different types. This study examines Time-Restricted Eating (TRE) in the sense of the 16/8 method and Alternate Day Fasting (ADF).

With the 16/8 method, you eat as much as you like in a time window of 8 hours (12:00-20:00) and then fast for 16 hours. The ADF method alternates between eating and fasting days. You eat as much as you like for one day and then fast for a whole day. Animal studies have shown that intermittent fasting leads to weight loss and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Life-prolonging effects were also observed. To date, there have only been a few clinical studies on humans investigating the effects of intermittent fasting. However, the data to date show that intermittent fasting can have a positive effect on health and weight loss, especially the reduced loss of muscle mass, and has no negative side effects. However, there is still no study directly comparing the two types (TRE and ADF) in people with obesity, so it is not known which type has better effects on various health parameters.

Aim of the study

In this study, we investigate how different types of intermittent fasting affect the health of overweight adults.

Who can take part?

They are between 18 and 50 years old and have a BMI between 30 - 40 kg/m2. You have a good command of German or English. They fast for no more than 12 hours a day and eat at least three times a day.

Procedure

The study consists of a week of observation and an 8-week intervention. If you take part in this study, you will be assigned to one of three groups. Two groups each carry out a type of intermittent fasting (16 to 24 hours of fasting). A control group follows a standard diet with daily calorie reduction. A total of 6 appointments are made. The screening and three further appointments last approx. 60 minutes. A comprehensive examination takes place at the beginning and end of the intervention (approx. 5 hours per visit). All examinations take place at the University Hospital Zurich.

Compensation

300.- CHF

Original study name

Longitudinal Monitoring during different Intermittent Fasting Protocols in Obese Adults - A Randomized Clinical Trial

BASEC number

2023-01377

Sponsors

Swiss National Science Foundation