Alternate day fasting is effective for weight loss and weight maintenance in obese adults (641.3)

Abstract

Alternate day fasting (ADF; 75% restriction fast day alternated with ad libitum feed day) is effective for weight loss in obese individuals. Whether ADF can also be used for weight maintenance, is not yet known. Accordingly, we examined the effects of modified ADF versus a conventional weight maintenance approach on body weight, visceral fat, and markers of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Obese subjects (n = 32) were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: 1) ADF, 2) calorie restriction (CR; 25% restriction daily), or 3) control, for a 24‐­‐week weight loss period. After weight loss, subjects began a modified ADF program (50% restriction fast day alternated with ad libitum feed day) or CR‐­‐maintenance program (100% energy intake daily) for an additional 24 weeks. During the weight loss period, body weight and visceral fat decreased (P < 0.01) in the ADF (18 ± 4 kg; 0.5 ± 0.1 kg) and CR group (16 ± 3 kg; 0.3 ± 0.1 kg). Body weight and visceral fat mass remained stable during the weight maintenance period in both groups. Plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, CRP, and blood pressure did not change after 24‐­‐weeks of weight loss in the ADF and CR groups versus control. These CHD risk parameters remained unaltered during the maintenance period as well. These findings suggest that ADF may be just as effective as a conventional weight maintenance approach for maintaining weight loss and visceral fat loss, though the effects on CHD risk are not clear.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the National Institute of Health