Late last year, I wrote a brief article about the practice of intermittent fasting and the attendant pros and cons. That was before there were concerns about the “quarantine 15,” the funny-not-funny name given to weight gain from stress eating and less-active lifestyles during the extended Covid-19 lockdown. As people look to combat added pounds, the interest in intermittent fasting has continued.
That may change after a new study published this week by JAMA Internal Medicine. According to the clinical trial, fasting resulted in only modest weight loss, which may have actually come from loss of muscle mass. And there was no statistically significant difference from the control group.
The study does have some critics and is probably not enough on its own to make a definitive determination about the effectiveness of intermittent fasting. Be sure to consult a medical professional before beginning any diet to find one that works for you.
There is sure to be more research to come on this topic.
