Intermittent Fasting versus Calorie Defect Approach in Losing Weight: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Calorie restriction (CR) is the gold standard of treatment for treating overweight and obesity. Although this method results in only moderate weight reduction, weight rebound is frequent and CR adherence gradually deteriorates over time. IMF, or intermittent fasting, is a different nutritional approach, reduces calorie consumption. The study's objective is to assess the efficacy of continuous calorie restriction (CCR) with intermittent fasting in treating overweight and obese individuals. Methods: To find the pertinent literature, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were exhaustively searched. The Rayyan QRCI was applied throughout this methodical procedure. Results: our review included eight studies with parameters including body mass index (BMI), age, insulin resistance, eating behavior and sleep quality. The studies investigated the role of intermittent fasting compared to the role of calorie restriction in losing weight. Conclusion: Our findings imply that CR positively improves metabolic parameters, assisting individuals who are insulin resistant and pre-diabetic. Additionally, IMF can improve health and cellular resilience to illness without calorie restriction and without causing weight loss. In terms of BMI, there was no discernible difference between IMF and CR. These results imply that IMF could be effective like CR for weight reduction.