Comparative effectiveness of intermittent fasting strategies for cardio-metabolic risk reduction

Abstract

Intermittent fasting (IF) has recently gained significant attention as a non-pharmacological approach to metabolic disorder management. However, the selection of optimal IF protocols remains controversial, with limited comparative effectiveness data available. This study analyzes 11 randomized controlled trials investigating four intermittent fasting (IF) protocols: 5:2 diet (n=3 studies), alternate-day fasting (ADF; n=4), modified ADF (MADF; n=2), and time-restricted eating (TRE; n=2). Primary outcomes included weight loss, metabolic markers, and adherence rates, with data presented as mean ± standard deviation or 95% confidence intervals.