Alternate Day Fasting Combined with a High Protein/low Carbohydrate Diet: Effect on Body Weight and Metabolic Disease Risk Factors in Obese Adults (P21-018-19)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This pilot study is the first to examine the impact of alternate day fasting (ADF) combined with a high protein/low carbohydrate diet on body weight and metabolic disease risk factors in obese adults. Methods Obese adults (n = 10) followed an ADF diet (600 kcal fast day alternated with an ad libitum feast day; 35% protein, 22% carbohydrate, 43% fat) for 6 months. Meal replacements were consumed on the fast and feast days, in addition to regular foods, to help attain macronutrient targets. Results Body weight decreased (P < 0.001) by 8.4 ± 1.7 kg (8.6 ± 1.7%) after 6 months. Fat mass and visceral fat mass were reduced (P < 0.05) by 6.4 ± 1.6 kg and 0.2 ± 0.1 kg, respectively. Lean mass decreased (P < 0.05) by 1.3 ± 0.6 kg. Systolic blood pressure was reduced (P < 0.05) by 10 ± 3 mm Hg, and diastolic blood pressure was reduced (P < 0.05) by 6 ± 3 mm Hg. Fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and HbA1c remained unchanged after 6 months of diet. LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased (P < 0.001) by10 ± 4% and 15 ± 8%, respectively, after 6 months. HDL cholesterol levels decreased by 6 ± 3% from baseline to post-treatment. Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest that ADF combined with a high protein/low carbohydrate diet is effective for lowering body weight, visceral fat mass, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, this diet has no effect on glucoregulatory factors. While these preliminary findings are promising, they still require confirmation by a larger-scale clinical trial. Funding Sources Nestle Health Sciences Grant.